China Life
Cultural Center
London, UK
2020
| See more design stories
COVID-19 swept across the world in early 2020, forcing people into quarantine and closing restaurants. I never imagined I would have to cook everything I craved. Luckily, in Vancouver, it is easy to find ingredients for my hometown dishes or order Chinese food. However, many people abroad struggle to access traditional Chinese markets and restaurants. Cooking Chinese dishes during quarantine made me realise how important home food is, especially when living away from one’s roots.
The Chinese idiom “民以食为天” highlights the essential role of food in daily life. It also serves as a bridge between cultures. With this in mind, China Life offers food courts, retail, and an urban farm to provide traditional Chinese food and essentials for both local residents and the Chinese community in London. Additional amenities such as a library, language school, and event hall foster cultural exchange and connection.