SKYLAND DISCOVERY in Xi’an, China is a 1,950 sqm dining precinct that boldly reimagines a former food court. The design fuses the city’s Silk Road heritage within a contemporary environment, crafting an immersive destination where history inspires connection and discovery.
The project embodies Lead8’s approach to storytelling through design. By translating the journey of the Silk Road into a spatial narrative, the design has crafted a vibrant gathering place that enriches community life through culture and interaction.
A Place to be Explored
As the interior designer, Lead8 envisioned SKYLAND DISCOVERY as a contemporary retelling of Xi’an’s historical significance. The design draws inspiration from the journeys and meeting points of the ancient Silk Road – expressed through fluid circulation, sculptural forms, and a narrative of discovery.
Winding pathways encourage visitors to explore as if travelling through an old city district, while the layered ceilings reinterpret the elegance of Tang-style rooflines to create a dynamic spatial rhythm throughout the precinct.
At the centre of the atrium, the distinctive pavilion structure anchors the development as both a visual focus and a social hub. Its open, welcoming form symbolises connection and exchange – a modern response to the Silk Road’s legacy of gathering and cultural exchange.
Redefining the Dining Experience
Informed by a precise assessment of the site’s scale, Lead8 moves the design beyond the linear food court model, transforming previously scattered seating into a cohesive layout and journey inspired by the Silk Road’s wandering paths.
The design uniquely harnesses the verticality of the atrium void, with the sculptural pavilion acting as a powerful visual anchor. Transcending floor boundaries, it connects with the retail atrium above, successfully activating cross-level interaction and unlocking the space’s full commercial potential.
Layered sightlines, undulating ceilings and open corners weave a network of intimate “streets” and “plazas” – encouraging diners to meander, pause and connect. Soft landscaping and subtle level changes create welcoming enclaves at human scale, elevating everyday dining into a richly layered experience of discovery and delight.
Storytelling Through Space
Rather than replicating historical motifs, Lead8 focuses on the atmosphere and rhythm of place. The design embraces warmth, openness and light to express cultural authenticity in a modern form. The final design resonates with both local tradition and contemporary Xi’an – a balance that aligns with the client’s vision for a destination that feels enriched and relevant.
