As a seasoned teppanyaki dining brand, Wanmo’s newly revamped location is nestled within Shanghai’s bustling Wujiaochang district. Known for its youthful energy, this vibrant hub attracts a dynamic crowd, while also hosting major tech firms like ByteDance and Bilibili, alongside a large student population keen on communal, engaging experiences.
Project Name: Wanmo Teppanyaki
Studio Name: WUXING YOUXING SPACE DESIGN
Location: Shanghai, China
Area: 380square meters
Completion time: January 2024
Chief Designer: Wei Zhixue
Assistant Designer: Sun Zheng, Pan Ping, Xie Kaiming, Xu Peng
Construction unit：Hangzhou Jutie Decoration
Lighting Design: Hangzhou Zhige Lighting
Landscape production：Hangzhou Wolin Planting Art
Photographer: Zhang Xi
On the culinary side, Wanmo aims to provide not just delicious meals but also inviting spaces tailored to various social gatherings. The brand’s ambition is to create a venue that encourages interactions beyond the ordinary dining experience.
The restaurant’s core clientele, as envisioned by designer Wei Zhixue, draws inspiration from the surrounding area: Amid the rapid pace of urban life, internet-savvy workers seek out unique, shareable experiences that resonate with their personalities, often confined by the monotony of office life. This insight inspired the “Interstellar Exploration” theme that defines both the design and the brand, creating a space where diners can embark on a journey of discovery, both online and in person, while sharing their unique experiences.
As evening descends and the city lights fade, the vibrant energy of sizzling dishes fills the indoor and outdoor spaces. The vastness of the stars and oceans above sets the stage for an immersive dining experience, connecting the young patrons to something larger than the everyday hustle.
A continuous arrangement of acrylic rings, softened by diffused lighting, evokes the embrace of a massive spaceship, casting a welcoming glow on each visitor. Multiple island-style counters create an open, communal setting, while the starry canopy and occasional meteor streaks offer a peaceful yet expansive atmosphere for diners.
The layout features a circular design with five distinct island counters, enabling different groups to enjoy privacy while remaining part of a cohesive environment. At the center of the open space, a landing pod introduces elements like stone, gravel, and the desolate beauty of unexplored terrain, creating a dynamic contrast that embodies the spirit of exploration.
The use of red sandstone sets a striking visual tone across the entire space, while stainless steel, sound, and visual installations are integrated into the design to form a series of interactive artworks. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by sensors that trigger a welcome message in a mysterious extraterrestrial language, setting the tone for a truly otherworldly experience.
The restaurant’s design taps into deeper psychological themes. Instead of simply offering food, Wanmo seeks to ignite a sense of curiosity and adventure in its patrons, much like the metaphor of inspiring one to long for the sea when building a ship. The brand’s visual identity is intricately tied to its customer base, going beyond dining to foster dynamic conversations and content creation.
Amid the challenges of modern life, where resources are depleting and anxiety rises, Wanmo urges its guests to step beyond their comfort zones and explore new possibilities. For both the brand and the designer, the vitality of youth should be channeled into pushing boundaries and discovering new spaces, making exploration a powerful metaphor for the restaurant’s philosophy.
The design creates an immersive experience, like a journey through the layered textures of sandstone, simulating the feel of a subterranean mine. Lighting installations are strategically placed to guide guests through this imaginative space, while the kitchen area integrates tools of exploration, blending the theme of interstellar discovery with culinary artistry.
The essence of teppanyaki dining lies not only in the fusion of diverse ingredients but also in the interaction between the chef and the diners. The restaurant features six dark, planet-like spheres made from metal and lighting elements, creating a unique balance between separation and connection within the dining experience.
Above the dining counters, a circular chandelier adorned with cuneiform script symbolizes our collective curiosity about extraterrestrial civilizations, while helmets subtly nod to the pioneering spirit of “Star Wars.”
In response to the growing trend of pre-prepared dishes and centralized kitchens diluting the essence of flavor, Wanmo offers an intimate experience where the chef’s fiery cooking draws diners closer to the food—and to one another. Friends gather for lively conversations while savoring delectable dishes, creating small yet vibrant snapshots of life.
The stainless steel portal at the entrance symbolizes the meeting point between earthly and extraterrestrial civilizations. Its weathered texture contrasts yet blends with the sleek urban surroundings outside. Within the restaurant, two private booths offer secluded spaces with controlled lighting, ensuring both comfort and privacy for diners seeking an intimate experience.
The larger private dining room features expansive glass windows, allowing natural light to play with reflections from nearby buildings, dynamically changing the ambiance throughout the day. Art installations and custom lighting are scattered throughout the space, adding layers of personal and social depth to the overall experience.
In today’s social-media-driven dining culture, where lifestyles are frequently shared, more brands are seeking to embed themselves into consumer consciousness. At Wanmo, the authentic essence of teppanyaki—its aroma and smoky ambiance—fosters an invisible connection between the food, people, and environment. The design reinterprets these relationships, weaving a sci-fi narrative reminiscent of “Star Trek” that resonates with tech-savvy, exploration-minded youth, rekindling their sense of adventure and wonder.
Rather than simply being a dining destination, Wanmo aspires to be a ‘companion’ in life’s moments, where shared meals amid the smoky teppanyaki grill inspire creativity and connection with each encounter.
