The Nanjing Drum Tower Jinshang OCC Restaurant is situated adjacent to the historic Drum Tower, near significant cultural landmarks including Nanjing University and Southeast University. This location is rich with historical significance and urban sentiment. The design team aimed to redefine a comprehensive dining space by blending the site’s cultural heritage with contemporary lifestyles, establishing a new cultural landmark in Nanjing.
The site’s distinctive natural and urban landscape offers diverse design narratives: nearby, lush tree canopies create dappled light and shadow, while in the distance, subtle reflections of the Drum Tower’s red walls appear. The design challenge was to respond to this vibrant site energy while softening the boundaries between architecture, landscape, and interior. By “dissolving” the architectural form, the design introduces natural and humanistic elements, blurring traditional dining space limits and forming a multifunctional environment that blends various experiences.
The overall spatial arrangement embraces a gradual “slow infiltration” transition: moving from open urban public spaces to enclosed courtyards, and then into transparent indoor areas. This layered approach draws inspiration from the traditional “garden within a garden” concept, honoring history while integrating modern lifestyle experiences.
The first floor features an open layout that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the surrounding landscape to flow naturally inside. The walls serve not only as building facades but also as integral parts of the landscape design. Through layered and progressive forms, the natural environment is brought into the interior, creating dynamic overlaps of light, shadow, and space.
The space above the second floor mainly consists of private rooms designed to evoke the appearance of traditional flower windows. This effect is achieved by combining large windows with folded ceramic panels. The views outside these windows change with the seasons: in summer, the green canopy provides shade, while in winter, the red walls peek through. This design approach preserves traditional aesthetics and invites guests to engage with nature.
Jinshang OCC serves not only as a dining venue but also as a cultural hub with versatile functionality. The open dining and café area on the first floor flows seamlessly, resembling an open market and connecting closely with urban life. From the second to fourth floors, private rooms offer intimate settings ideal for extended social and entertainment activities. The spatial narrative guides visitors through varied atmospheres and experiences across different levels.
Jinshang OCC Restaurant embodies not only physical design but also cultural inheritance and revival. Nature serves as a medium to fuse the historical essence of the Drum Tower with contemporary lifestyles, offering visitors a space to reflect on the past while experiencing the richness of modern life.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Structural Detail Drawing
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Axonometric Diagram
Project Information
Architect: BUZZ / Zhuang Ziyu Studio
Area: 2321 m²
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: As You See – Wang Hall, Architecture Photography
Project Creators: Zhuang Ziyu, Li Na
Design Team: (Architecture) Liu Jian, Li Churan; (Interior) Liu Chen, Cai Wei, Liu Yue, Chen Zhendong, Ding Zhuliang, Cao Chengqian, Zhang Haoxuan, Gao Zheng
Construction Drawing: Beijing Shi Space Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Construction Unit: Jiangsu Jinshang Decoration Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Fine Decoration Construction Drawing: Jiangsu Jinshang Decoration Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Fine Decoration Construction Unit: Jiangsu Jinshang Decoration Design Engineering Co., Ltd
Curtain Wall Consultant: Beijing Weida Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd
Lighting Consultant: Kaihe Lighting Design (Beijing) Co., Ltd
Drawings and Diagrams: Chen Liu, Wei Cai, Yue Liu, Zhendong Chen, Churan Li, Xinyue Yang
Writing: Ziyu Zhuang, Vanessa Wang
Owner: Nanjing Jintong Catering Management Co., Ltd
Location: Nanjing
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up