new york based studio hou de sousa has created a colorful chandelier installation within the ‘happy panda II’ chinese restaurant situated in quito, ecuador. this is the second commission that the firm has built for the ‘happy panda’ restaurant group, with the first one being an impressive interior project completed in 2013. 

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 1
a canopy of lanterns floats above the dining hall of happy panda II
all images courtesy of hou de sousa

 

 

in order to complete this interior renovation, hou de sousa has extended the scalloped soffits from the existing mezzanine which houses the restaurant kitchen. the base of the chandelier canopy and the mezzanine align, marking a continuous ceiling datum, while a lower horizon is established by a pair of triangular masses featuring built-in booth seating for diners as well as a full-service bar and cashier space.

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 2
each chandelier is made with welded steel tubes and colorful paracord 

 

 

simple industrial materials were deployed throughout the project. corrugated steel wraps around the booths and mezzanine while a serial set of plywood panels lines the perimeter of the space. meanwhile, each chandelier is composed of welded steel tubes and paracord – a colorful synthetic rope used in parachutes. the key objective was to create a light and airy atmosphere with refreshing pops of color. 

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 3
island counters feature inset booths and table space

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 4
scalloped soffits extend from a pre-existing mezzanine to partially encapsulate the cylindrical lanterns

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 5
a cashier station and full-service bar are incorporated into the design of the island

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 6
the project makes use of everyday industrial materials such as corrugated steel sheets and plywood

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 7
quartz countertops and plywood panels

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 9
a pendant light is centered within each lantern

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 10
the corner view of a triangular space

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 11
a collection of chairs the client had on hand were re-used and incorporated into the design

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 12
a variety of unique lanterns suspended beneath an exposed ceiling

colorful lanterns float above quito restaurant designed by hou de sousa 8

axonometric drawing highlighting the distinct project components and spaces

 

 

project info:

 

name: happy panda II
design studio: hou de sousa 
location: quito, ecuador

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom