Visitors to IMG Worlds of Adventure will appreciate the zen-like atmosphere and authentic Chinese cuisine that Chang’s Golden Dragon restaurant offers.
Services: Master Planning, Themed Restaurants, Art Direction
Location: Dubai
When guests spend a full day enjoying all that IMG Worlds of Adventure has to offer, they no doubt seek a brief respite from the action and excitement to recharge their batteries.
Hopping from one pulse-pounding attraction to another can take its toll on mere mortals’ energy levels, after all. There may be no better place within the vast indoor theme park to refuel than Chang’s Golden Dragon, a casual dining establishment steeped in the hallmarks of Chinese symbolism and tradition.
Falcon’s Creative Group designed Chang’s Golden Dragon as part of their master planning duties for the 1.5 million square-foot entertainment destination in Dubai. Part of a theme park’s master planning process is determining the layout of the entire space. Falcon’s deliberated on the types of restaurants to include, where they should go, and how guests, staff, and the occasional superhero would navigate to and through them. This was no small feat, considering there are thirteen sit-down restaurants spread across four uniquely themed zones.
In addition to master planning duties, Falcon’s provided design services and onsite art direction for Chang’s Golden Dragon, which is located in the Marvel zone. The company drew up the initial concept and took those designs all the way through the construction documentation phase.
The architectural designers and artists at Falcon’s had a field day with this project. There is a wealth of Chinese history to draw from and no shortage of inspiration. Even so, this restaurant had to tie into the overall Marvel theme in some way. That’s how the Wall of Fame idea originated. This area features pictures, newspaper clippings, and autographed photographs showcasing visits and heroic episodes by superheroes and Marvel celebrities alike.
While the Wall of Fame draws its share of attention, it is the elegant simplicity of the interior space that’s the real star of the show. It is designed like a Tang Dynasty courtyard and pulls esthetics from northern Chinese architecture. Red, black, and gold dominate the color palette. Red symbolizes vitality, luck, happiness, and joy in Chinese culture, therefore, the color is ubiquitous.
Upon entering through the moon gate, guests are presented with a classic double pagoda splashed in red lacquer. To the right are Forbidden City elements – a gallery of ornate columns, illuminated parasols, and Imperial guardian lions that sit atop a hip roof, protecting the restaurant from harmful influences such as fire. Large silk panels depicting common Chinese activities and environments adorn the upper walls. Illuminated fabric wraps playful lanterns, and theatrical light fixtures cast moonlight through the leafy canopy above the enchanting courtyard.
Of course, one of the key figures here is the golden dragon. This creature is deeply ingrained in Chinese life, as it represents wealth, wisdom, and compassion. The dragon itself is a protector, so combined with the presence of Marvel superheroes, this is definitely the safest place to eat at IMG World of Adventure, if not the most serene.
The open kitchen concept allows diners the opportunity to watch the wok burners’ flames dance. The heat lamps hanging overhead resemble oriental metal bird cages.
Whether your appetite calls for hot and sour soup, Kung Pao Chicken, the house specialty dumplings, or a combination of other traditional options, you are sure to fill up your tank at this classically designed restaurant that happens to be located inside of a world-class theme park.
