Ye Hui
Ye Hui, a contemplator of humanistic space, is also a contemporary design innovator. He advocates the concept of "natural aesthetics" and is good at carrying oriental humanistic and emotional spaces in contemporary design. Ye Hui possesses unique insights and perspectives on architecture, materials, light and shadow, and structure.
Ye Hui founded the firm JG PHOENIX, in the design path, they insisted on exploring the space experience that makes people feel the rational thinking of the West, but also the sensibility of the East, the "intangible" and natural.
- Interiors: JG PHOENIX
- Photos: Ouyang Yun Wu Xiang Culture
YINJI： "JG PHOENIX" contains the concepts of "time" and "Oriental spirit", how do you understand the relationship between the two?
YE HUI：The "JG(Ancient and Modern)" represents the continuity and extension of time, and "Phoenix" symbolizes the spirit of the Oriental, which is the figurative language that carries Chinese culture. Through our creations, we seek to reevaluate oriental culture in the framework of modern design, aspiring to "apply the ancient in the present, and empower the present to excel over the ancient." This endeavor embeds our works with a narrative that unfolds through time and memory.
YINJI：On all public platforms, you seem to focus more on promoting the company rather than the designer personally. What is the strategy?
YE HUI：Designers are not celebrities; they need to focus on design. Each project requires teamwork and better service for the client. Therefore, we focus more on promoting the brand of the company, hoping to collaborate with more talented individuals, adhere to our design practices, and strive for them.
YINJI：In your works, there are always some new attempts, either in form and language or in aesthetics and concepts. How do you think about this "partial" evolution?
YE HUI：In our works, we always stick to the original intention of design: to find common memory points and convey the Oriental spirit. I believe that each project has an original memory point, followed by our advocated concept of "natural aesthetics," which we have been exploring on our design journey. In essence, design should align with nature, discover the primitive beauty in the natural environment, and then harmoniously integrate with it.
YINJI：In the design process of the "Cheers" restaurant, how was the combination of brand culture and spatial awareness achieved?
YE HUI：From the beginning, the brand planning of the "Cheers" restaurant and spatial design unfolded simultaneously. Red, the brand color, represents the attribute of roasting. The roasted bird shop holds an important position in Japanese culture, serving not only as a simple dining form but also as a place for people to gather, drink, and communicate. The grilling method of the roasted bird shop is also related to traditional elements in Japanese culture, such as "charcoal grilling" and "fireworks." Therefore, the spatial design introduced Japanese design language, such as concrete and charred wood, creating a visual conflict between the warm texture of wood and the rational tone of concrete. Thus, the red color, as a visual image, is a perfect combination of spatial awareness and brand culture.
YINJI：As the only selected Chinese editor for "YIN 2023," how do you view the current environment and future development opportunities of Chinese design?
YE HUI：With the growth of Chinese designers and their gradual emergence on the international stage, expressing the consciousness of Oriental culture in their design, this itself is an exploration process. Oriental culture has a long history and diverse forms, focusing on the "human" itself, with a tendency towards the expression of individual emotions, interests, and values. The various artistic forms we express in life can establish a special and subtle connection with it. Adapting to changes with the heart, the relationship between the two is what we think about and integrate when designing each space, interpreting different aesthetics, aligning with the contemporary lifestyle, and forming our own design context. By persistently adhering to our design and continuously learning and innovating, we believe in the promising future of Chinese design.
