Dayi Design's Red Steel 'Cloud Ladder' Weaves Through Historic Nanjing Complex
Dayi Design has transformed a historic complex at the entrance of Wuyi Lane along Nanjing's Qinhuai River into the Red Lobster restaurant. The project employs a 'hovering' structural philosophy to protect original timber and stone, avoiding direct adhesion to historic fabric. A serpentine red steel staircase, described as a 'cloud ladder,' links several 'isolated islands' of buildings, serving as both a functional path and a fire escape. The intervention introduces a 'cyber national style' that overlays ancient Eastern Jin Dynasty heritage with contemporary commercial vitality. Local materials were reused, including original doors resealed with glass as interior screens and Taihu Lake stones rearranged into shelters. The elevated terrace offers views of Dabao'en Temple. The project joins a global movement of bold hospitality environments, referencing YOD Group's Rosso in Ukraine and Plutarco's MYO in Madrid.
Key facts
- Dayi Design reimagined a traditional complex at the historic entrance of Wuyi Lane in Nanjing into the Red Lobster restaurant.
- The project is located along the Qinhuai River on the former grounds of the Wang and Xie families.
- A 'hovering' structural philosophy ensures new additions avoid direct adhesion to historic timber and stone.
- A red steel staircase, called a 'cloud ladder,' connects several 'isolated islands' of buildings.
- The staircase provides a vital second fire escape for the ancient wooden buildings.
- Local materials were reused: original doors became glass interior screens; Taihu Lake stones were rearranged into shelters.
- The upper platforms offer views of Dabao'en Temple.
- The design references YOD Group's Rosso in Ukraine and Plutarco's MYO in Madrid.
Entities
Artists
- Dayi Design
Institutions
- Red Lobster
- YOD Group
- Plutarco
Locations
- Nanjing
- China
- Qinhuai River
- Wuyi Lane
- Dabao'en Temple
- Ukraine
- Madrid
- Spain