Chinese fast-casual concept Junzi has launched its fourth location at the threshold of Bryant Park in New York. Designed by architect Xuhui Zhang, the design is inspired by the nearby Broadway theater district.
“Every location we design takes inspiration from the neighborhood,” says Zhang, who serves as Junzi’s director of architecture design and development. “At our Bryant Park location, we were inspired by the nearby theater district. The building’s century-old concrete columns and beams
reminded me of the proscenium arches found in a theater, so we kept the industrial structure and used it to divide the space into a series of stages.”
The 1,930-square-foot eatery is oriented into three “stages,” beginning with the entrance where banquettes upholstered with gray leather accent white marble tables and a series of brass pendant lamps. White birch plywood shelving is adorned with Junzi-designed graphics. Light pink accents contrast handmade terracotta tiling and mint green details. A mobile island in the dining island anchors the “center stage,” serving as a trash station during the day and a DJ booth and podium after hours. A dark green velvet curtain provides intimacy for formal events.
The final “stage” culminates in two service counters illuminated by theatrical marquee lighting. In addition, folded white stone surfaces complement black and white terrazzo floors and brass accents.
