Diners at a newly-opened restaurant in Beijing appear to hover above the ground as they eat on narrow ‘floating’ platforms surrounded by fog.

Golucci International Design created the minimalist interiors for the Diaoye Niunan restaurant in the Chinese capital. The studio attempted to create a peaceful and relaxing environment for diners by referencing nature.

Seating podiums resemble mountains emerging from the fog, chalk-white tree sculptures fill the space and the restaurant’s walkways represent misty winding rivers. Dining areas are separated by perforated metal screens also intended to appear mountain-like.

In addition to the nature theme, the walls of the 250sq m (2,691sq ft) restaurant feature Chinese calligraphy harking back to the country’s literary roots.

“We’ve been inspired by traditional culture; reinterpreting Chinese ink and writing in the spatial design,” said project designer Lee Hsuheng. “Modern diners will be able to have a dialogue with the intellectuals of ancient China, learning about China’s poetry-driven culture.”

The restaurant, which serves Hong Kong specialties, has enjoyed strong word of mouth for its food and design since its opening.

The concept of levitation is increasingly being used in leisure architecture, particularly in Asia. A forthcoming green space in China will see different floral arrangements organised into cubes and made to appear as if they are hovering, while architects Studio MMK recently designed a public space in Seoul featuring a ‘floating’ public park.

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