Oriental hegemony

Text: Ar. Ahmed Zuberi
Photography: Rashid Rasheed
Project: China Town
Client: Tahir Yasin Malik
Architect: SR Design Works
Location: Islamabad
Built area: 6000sq ft
Completed 2008

Eating out these days has become more than just a change of cuisine or convenience; it has evolved into an experience that tantalizes all senses from visual to taste. Though vast acreage cannot be consumed for such enterprises in the urban setting, cleverly crafted space do give you the illusion being swept away to another land and what a place to go is China.

The orient has always been a place of fascination for travelers. From the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the vastness of great wall, to the enchanting landscapes China has always been a marvel. Their introverted character for centuries created unique styles of art and architecture.

China town restaurant in Islamabad is a fine example of an inspired interpretation of traditional Chinese architecture. The architect has managed to fuse modernity and traditional symbols with relative ease. The traditional light, sinuous Chinese roof is translated as a light cantilevering pergolaed roof terrace sitting on top of a very strong grey concrete mass held together by wood bracing. The stone like mass has etched Chinese symbols on the façade. It shows that the architect had the sensitivity to employ the Chinese yin yang concept or the unity of opposites.