Challenge

Inspired by the vibrant soul of 1960s-90s Hong Kong Cafés local culture, Ten Thousand Fortunes blends nostalgia with modern artistry, creating a spatial narrative rooted in both heritage and contemporary design. At the heart of the space is the timeless symbolism of gold, evoking prosperity and warmth. This radiant hue anchors the design, bridging the past and present. The restaurant pays homage to the intricate craftsmanship of traditional architectural elements, which are abstracted and reinterpreted in modern forms.

concept

A defining feature of "Ten Thousand Fortunes" is a massive feature wall that not only embodies the restaurant’s name but also converts its meaning into a visually compelling display of the Chinese character for "good" (好), symbolizing prosperity. The character is repeated in a dynamic, cascading pattern, with each iteration rendered in different fonts from nine distinct Chinese periods, representing the evolution of good fortune through time. This design mimics an unrolling scroll, but with a modern twist: the scroll's ends are replaced by metal gate elements, inspired by traditional Hong Kong store gates, further tying in local heritage. The characters are brought to life with 3D text and front illumination, casting soft shadows that animate the wall and create a sense of movement, reminiscent of the fluidity of calligraphy. Gold, the primary color of the space, is used throughout the feature wall, enhancing the theme of prosperity and giving the installation a radiant, contemporary edge. This feature wall not only reinforces the cultural narrative but also serves as a symbolic statement, blending ancient ideograms with modern design sensibilities to evoke a sense of fortune and harmony in the space.

SOLUTION

Green is the secondary color, taken from Hong Kong’s street stalls in the 60s and 90s. This green is used in metal features like fences, gates, dividers, and signs above the cashier, referencing traditional Hong Kong craftsmanship. Geometric patterns from local fences and gates are integrated into these metal elements, adding another layer of cultural reference. The interior’s material palette is a carefully curated blend of textures that tells a story of contrast and connection. Patterned green tiles, evoking the charm of vintage Hong Kong interiors, are paired with raw concrete surfaces, offering a tactile juxtaposition that reflects the city's dynamic, layered urban landscape.

OUTCOME

At Ten Thousand Fortunes, tradition is not simply preserved—it is transformed. The design explores the connection between cultural artifacts and modern methods, creating a space that honors both the past and the present.