Tarentum: A Blend of Ancient Greek Style and Modern Design

Liu Bin's Award-Winning Cafe Bar Design in Shenzhen, China

Tarentum, a unique cafe bar designed by Liu Bin, combines ancient Greek aesthetics with modern design elements, creating a relaxing and engaging space for visitors in Shenzhen's Bao’an Coastal Cultural Park.

The inspiration for Tarentum came from its location under the Ferris Wheel on the coast of Bao'an. Liu Bin's main design idea was to integrate this cafe bar into the cultural park and make it a place where visitors can enjoy their leisure time with a panoramic view of the Ferris Wheel, distant beaches, clear sea, and blue sky.

Tarentum stands out for its Ancient Greek style and dual functionality. During the day, it serves Greek food in a relaxing atmosphere, and when night falls, it transforms into a whisky lounge, providing a comfortable and private space for patrons. The interior space of the building is warm ivory-colored cement, represented with gentle cream tones to make people feel relaxed. Gray leather sofas and blue satin cushions echo the blue tone of the windows, reminiscent of a touch of blue on the Mediterranean Sea.

The design realization of Tarentum involved the use of warm cream and Santorini blue tones, mixed with a silver tone with metal elements of placer gold. The designers specially designed the external window next to the coffee bar as an open hand-brewed coffee area. The brand name TRT is delicately displayed on the wall, adding a sense of design and practicality to the space. A sunken area next to the Whisky Bar is enclosed by a half-height cultural stone, creating a private area for customers to enjoy the whisky night under a moon-shaped cement chandelier.

The project, completed in February 2021, spans 280 square meters. When all the folding glass doors near the windows are opened, it creates a sense of blurred space that blends the interior and exterior together, bringing visitors closer to the Ferris Wheel. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022, a testament to its innovative and remarkable design.

In conclusion, Tarentum, designed by Liu Bin, is a unique blend of ancient Greek aesthetics and modern design elements. It offers a relaxing and engaging space for visitors, and its innovative design has earned it prestigious recognition. Tarentum is a testament to the power of design in transforming spaces and creating unique experiences.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Liu Bin
Image Credits: BenFoto
Project Team Members: Liu Bin, Lin Zhifeng, Luo Jieran
Project Name: Tarentum
Project Client: Liu Bin


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