Sushi Cat, a high-end Japanese cuisine delivery brand founded in 2021, is a catering enterprise that focuses on delivering premium Japanese food to consumers. Currently, Sushi Cat has seven delivery stores in Hangzhou. Its previous business model was based on consumers placing orders online, and the stores would prepare and deliver the food, bringing the freshest ingredients to consumers' tables as quickly as possible.

Confucius proposed the concept of harmony in "The Analects of Confucius: Zilu" a long time ago.The concept of harmony is also applicable to spatial design. We aim to integrate the ancient and the modern by using modern stainless steel countertops and metallic textured tops to highlight modernity. However, traditional wood veneers, beige paint, red paint, and paper, which represent ancient materials, can be expressed using modern techniques in terms of form, making them both ancient and modern. In the space, they are interdependent and also highlight each other, achieving a state of "harmony in diversity and seeking common ground while reserving differences." Good design must be inclusive and interesting. 

We have used a minimalist approach to express the overall space. The entire space is divided into four functional areas, and the first thing that catches your eye at the entrance is the black wood veneer surface. The use of black weakens the entrance and adds a sense of mystery. Because it is a takeout live streaming store, we only need to display a prominent takeaway window to the outside, making this area the front hall of the space. The inside of the takeout window is the delivery and packaging area.

Eentrance, which is also the most interesting part of the space. Our inspiration comes from Japanese torii gates.  By simplifying and changing the form, we have transformed it into its current appearance. The staff who enter this space step into the "realm of food gods" with full concentration and use fresh seasonal ingredients to prepare delicious food. We have redefined this "entrance" to increase the sense of ceremony. We use cinnabar red for the takeaway window and this "entrance," implying wealth and Finally, we named this "Entrance" "Xiaolongmen." The "fish jumping over the dragon's gate" symbolizes a successful career and a rise in status.auspiciousness.

The main space is actually a board space for making food. Facing the board space is a DuPont paper film that evolved from a geometric pattern of fish scales, which can also be used for live streaming or filming as a fill light. The light can be adjusted for brightness and temperature to prepare for different atmospheric scenes. We also wish for a prosperous business and good fortune every year.  We used metal materials throughout the board space, with clean and modern shapes, and the surrounding background was painted in a beige color to contrast with the coldness of the metal. The inner kitchen area connects the board space inside and outside.

We select stones as meticulously as Sushi Cat chooses ingredients. Every stone in the space is carefully handpicked, and only the best of the best make the cut. First and foremost, the stones must have a pure pedigree from the Qiantang River in Hangzhou. Secondly, they must be beautiful and charming. And thirdly, they must be able to perform their role in the space, representing the beauty of nature and complementing the artificial products in the space to create a unique aesthetic.

NOVA had the opportunity to practice and explore new possibilities in this project. By combining new forms with cultural significance, we were able to create new products that not only cater to the needs of young people but also continue the aesthetic culture of the brand. Through this project, we were able to create a unique commercial culture for the brand and space. The birth and evolution of a new business model was also a practical consideration for Sushi Cat amidst the pandemic. The space was primarily designed for the staff working in the store, while the most frequent visitors would be the delivery drivers. We aimed to create a meaningful space that could empower the brand and foster innovation.