60M: A New Wave in Chinese Bar Design

Junhong Huang's Innovative Design Revolutionizes Social Drinking

Located near the water curtain square in a shopping mall, the first Sixty Minutes bar was designed with the intention of redefining the drinking culture in China. The abstract concept of the "water element" was chosen as the theme, interpreted through various materials and post-modern narrative.

The unique property of 60M lies in its curvilinear circular bar. Designed to break free from inherent functions and forms, the bar aims to establish a new way of drinking and socializing. The design creates a new experience of a tipple trip, subverting the existing impression of the new mode of the third space.

The curved modeling wall, reminiscent of waves, consists of three layers. The irregular curved wood above and below serves as the base, with a GRG custom-made wood interlayer. Hidden linear lights emit light that deepens the wall's lines, creating an adjustable light and shadow show.

The project covers a total of 258 square meters. The bar's different heights and radians presented a significant construction challenge. However, after repeated inference of the pre-design model, site positioning segmentation, steel structure foundation covering, wood framing, and dozens of polishing, waterproof reinforcement processes, the results are presented wonderfully.

The design of the bar includes four different discretion forms, creating different dining and drinking states. The high bar at the entrance is the best location for drinking, with the main bar located in the operating area. The island-shaped table falls back to a height suitable for drinking, providing entertainment for group dining. The curved surface modeling of organic polished glass breaks the facade limits, bringing in daylight for afternoon tea while adding appeal.

The project started in June 2019 in Xiamen and finished in September 2019. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.