Aromas: A Concept Bar of National Style

Combining Tradition and Modernity in a Chinese Cocktail Lounge

Located in Chongqing, China, Aromas is a cocktail lounge that offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese flavors and modern design. Inspired by the famous Chinese paintings Night Revels of Han Xizai and Eighteen Arhats Scroll, designers Hui Ying Qu and Xu Ran have created a space that combines national traditional elements with contemporary expression, resulting in a concept bar of national style.

In this project, the design team has successfully captured the essence of aromatic cocktails, bridging the gap between traditional classics and modern trends. The space is adorned with scenes of night drinking immortals, reminiscent of the paintings that inspired the design. By incorporating national traditional elements, Aromas creates a unique and immersive experience for its patrons.

One of the standout features of Aromas is the entrance, where stacked and tilted wine cans create a dramatic effect. Smoke flows out from the cans, resembling a waterfall and setting the tone for the entire space. Inside, the bar counter stands out with its walls made of stacked tiles and grey bricks, evoking a historic texture that adds to the overall ambiance. The wooden liquor cabinets showcase fine liquors and herbs, highlighting the brand's features and quality. Above the bar counter, a wooden menu board adds an old-fashioned charm.

The design of Aromas is brought to life through a combination of different materials and techniques. The Chinese black marble floor, with its glossy finish, creates a sense of water flowing in a cave, adding to the mysterious atmosphere. The wooden frame above the space follows the shape of a traditional Chinese sloping roof, resembling a pavilion where ancient Chinese would gather to drink and enjoy themselves.

Despite the challenges posed by the long, narrow, and deep space with limited natural light, the design team turned these limitations into advantages. By using dark grey as the primary color and incorporating wood, tiles, and bricks, the space resembles cave dwellings of fairies and immortals, inspiring a sense of exploration and intrigue.

The layout of Aromas is carefully designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The wooden tables and chairs gradually decrease in height from left to right, while high chairs and upholstered sofas provide comfort and flexibility. The stage in the lounge offers an immersive experience, allowing customers to enjoy live performances while sipping their drinks. A Chinese courtyard with a moon gate adds a touch of elegance, visually enlarging the space and creating a sense of depth.

With an overall planning area of 270 square meters, Aromas is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its design team. By blending tradition and modernity, this concept bar offers a truly unique and captivating experience for its patrons.

Aromas was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hui Ying Qu
Image Credits: Chuan He
Project Team Members: Hui Ying Qu,Xu Ran,Juan Ren,De Feng Yang,Gui Ping Que,Xian Yi Zhang,Jin Li
Project Name: Aromas
Project Client: Hui Ying Qu


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