Beyond the Bowl: Visualizing Noodlology’s Vibrant Space

Ian Hakes

3D Designer
Visual Artist
3D Renderer
Adobe Photoshop
Autodesk 3ds Max
Chaos Corona
The final reveal: A warm, inviting restaurant that blends modern design with natural touches.
The final reveal: A warm, inviting restaurant that blends modern design with natural touches.

Project Overview:

In this simulated project, we teamed up with MARS Studio, a celebrated architecture and interior design firm from Beijing, led by the talented Ma Ning. MARS Studio is famous for seamlessly blending modern design with natural elements and traditional Chinese influences, as seen in their standout projects like the Tianfu Conference Center and Noodlology Restaurant.
Our task? To design a new space for Noodlology, a noodle shop concept dreamed up by a Michelin-level Chinese chef. Her vision combined classic Chinese noodle-making with bold international flavors. Our challenge was to create a restaurant that reflected this fusion, making it feel alive with the energy of the city yet warm and welcoming like a close-knit community.
Final details: The rich wooden table and delicate greenery capture the warmth and vitality of the space.
Final details: The rich wooden table and delicate greenery capture the warmth and vitality of the space.

Inspiration & Vision:

The chef behind Noodlology wanted more than just a noodle shop—she wanted a space that embodied "life vitality." It needed to reflect the city’s energy while feeling warm and welcoming, a place where diners could connect with each other and the lively urban environment outside. Her vision included folding windows that would seamlessly let the street’s vibe flow into the restaurant.
To bring this idea to life, MARS Studio needed a vivid visual representation of the concept, and that’s where we stepped in. Our job was to create architectural visualizations that captured the essence of Noodlology, giving the design team and their client a clear, exciting look at the restaurant's potential.

The Design Journey:

We kicked things off by gathering all the essentials from our simulated client, including floorplans, furniture references, and inspiration images. The design vision centered on key elements like modular lighting, terrazzo flooring, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The mission was clear: capture the city’s vibrant energy while keeping the atmosphere warm and community focused.
Once we had a solid grasp of the concept, we dove into the rough design phase. Using the floorplans, we carefully recreated the layout, incorporating signature features like the communal wooden table and folding windows. At this stage, everything was in greyscale, but the lighting and shadows were set for a realistic preview. We shared these drafts for feedback on crucial details, like furniture placement and lighting. With the rough design approved, we moved on to the final phase, adding textures, materials, and dynamic lighting. Throughout the process, we made adjustments based on client input to ensure the final result perfectly matched their vision.

Final Result:

We delivered two stunning visualizations. The first was a wide-angle interior shot that captured the restaurant’s full layout and inviting atmosphere. It showcased the sleek, minimalist design, with a long communal table perfect for gathering. Modular lighting, terrazzo flooring, and folding windows allowed natural light to flood in, effortlessly blending the indoors with the bustling energy of the outside world. The overall vibe was modern yet warm, full of life and connection.
Greyscale preview: Refining the design, from lighting fixtures to furniture placement.
Greyscale preview: Refining the design, from lighting fixtures to furniture placement.
The second image zoomed in on the intimate seating area, focusing on the finer design details. From the rich texture of the wooden table to a simple, minimalist vase holding a sprig of greenery, the scene was both elegant and full of life. This small touch reinforced the restaurant’s connection to nature, adding a sense of vitality to the modern, urban setting.

Lasting Impression:

These images had multiple potential uses. They could easily enhance marketing campaigns and social media, drawing in future diners with the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind design. They also served as a strong portfolio piece for MARS Studio, showcasing their ability to create custom, thoughtfully crafted spaces. On a practical level, the visuals allowed the client to see the finished concept before construction, making any needed adjustments possible before breaking ground. In the end, our work helped bring the vision to life while providing valuable resources for both promotion and planning.
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