Located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Nin Hao is a new Fujianese restaurant designed by the architectural studio Plan Plan. The interior is an exceptional fusion of light, materiality, and artistic expression, blending traditional Chinese design elements with contemporary aesthetics.
The restaurant is flooded with natural light, thanks to its impressive 16-foot-high curtain walls on the south and east sides. Translucent Austrian curtains and polycarbonate panels create a captivating light dynamic that shifts from day to night. The soft, diffused sunlight filtering through the curtains plays with shadows, while the polycarbonate wall opposite reflects this light throughout the space, resulting in an atmosphere that feels open, airy, and ever-evolving.
The cement tiles underfoot, inspired by Chinese grey bricks, contrast with the lightweight polycarbonate panels and delicate curtains, adding depth and texture to the design.
Designed with adaptability in mind, the space features a 17-foot-wide west wall for rotating art installations, while a modular ceiling grid accommodates seasonal sculptures and changing lighting fixtures. Even the dining area encourages interaction, with a green table that can transform into a Mahjong table, inviting social engagement and cultural exchange.
The restaurant’s design is built around a flexible framework that allows it to evolve over time. The minimalist west wall acts as a canvas for curated art exhibitions, while the versatile ceiling grid supports seasonal changes in both sculpture and lighting. This adaptability keeps the space dynamic and ensures that each visit offers a fresh perspective.
At Nin Hao, the thoughtful integration of materials, culture, and art creates an environment that feels in constant transformation, both in terms of the space itself and the experiences of those who gather there.
