Designer's Note
“This shop is a newly opened store in Yu Garden, the historic Chinese garden in Shanghai, which dates back to the 16th century Ming Dynasty. Despite several restorations, the garden retains its traditional architectural style.
Our design approach aimed to connect this tradition with timeless contemporary design. Inspired by the moon gate – a circular opening symbolic of Chinese architecture – we reinterpreted its form to fit the shop’s limited space. By placing six layers of moon gates in a row and gradually expanding their size from back to front, we created an accumulated perspective leading to the main counter. This design subtly divides the space, offering both openness and privacy for visitors.
The layout encourages natural movement, allowing visitors to walk freely through the shop, evoking the sense of exploration felt in a classical garden. To complement Yu Garden’s golden ornamental touches, we applied brass finishes to the moon gate edges. This detail not only enhances the connection between the shop and its surroundings but also reflects light delicately, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.”
– Archiee
