A Study on the Characteristics of Traditionality Expression at Modernized Chinese Restaurants - Focused on MT(Modernized Traditional) Syle Restaurants in Hong Kong -

현대화 된 중국식 레스토랑에 나타난 전통성 표현 특성 연구 - 홍콩 소재 MT 유형(Modernized Traditional Style) 레스토랑을 중심으로 -

  • 오혜경 (경희대학교 주거환경학전공)
  • Received : 2012.06.30
  • Accepted : 2012.08.10
  • Published : 2012.08.31

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics of traditionality expressions at modernized Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong. As a case study, the study examined 12 modernized Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. The gathered data were categorized and examined according to the ways of traditionality expressions, which included reproduction, transformation, and reinterpretation of traditional components. Each of the components was measured for the amount of traditional or modernity expression on a five-point scale. The five-point scoring system put an emphasis on heritage; 1 point was given to principal modernity(modernity: 90-100% + tradition: 0-10%), 2 points were given to principal modernity + auxiliary tradition(modernity: 70-90% + tradition: 10-30%), 3 points were given to the same ratio between tradition and modernity(modernity: 40-60% + tradition: 40-60%), 4 points were given to principal tradition + auxiliary modernity(modernity: 10-30% + tradition: 70-90%), and 5 points were given to principal tradition(modernity: 0-10% + tradition: 90-100%). The analysis performed according to those criteria and methodologies led to the following findings and conclusions: Traditional components were most reproduced in the ornaments placed all over the restaurant and applied to the chirography of the restaurant logos, walls, and windows/doors in a big number. The methodology of transforming tradition was evenly applied to each of the spatial components. With the most transformations occurring to the lattices, there were many different ways to transform tradition including the partition, chirography, pattern, red lantern, furniture and ornament, and traditional materials that were turned into modern ones. Few examples of reinterpreting tradition were observed in the restaurant titles, inside floors, and ceilings, but plenty of examples were found in the walls, windows/doors, lighting, and furniture in a range of ways. Most of them reinterpreted the traditional forms and added altered patterns to them to remind customers of tradition. In short, all of the three ways of expressing tradition were actively applied to each component in an array of ways.

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