Shanghai Po Po: A Nostalgic Journey to 70s Shanghai

Bringing the Essence of Traditional Shanghai to Hong Kong

The design of Shanghai Po Po takes visitors on a journey back to 70s Shanghai, a time when the city was not wealthy but admired modern and classy living. With its stunning and signature color scheme, the restaurant captures the aggressive transformation of Shanghai during that period. An artistic touch on traditional Shanghai style is expressed through the use of brick walls, elegant glass lamps, and the signature colors of old Shanghai decoration, blackish green and orange, setting the tone for a romantic dining experience reminiscent of the famous Shanghai French Concession.

To ensure an authentic experience, real red brick is used to build the columns and decorate the walls, replicating the texture, color, and feel of old Shanghai architecture. The ambient lighting further enhances the texture of the materials and creates an old-world atmosphere within the restaurant. The use of metal frames to separate booth seating adds an interesting contrast to the brick, illustrating the transformation period of the city. Additionally, the variety of light designs provides a message of progress to visitors.

Spanning 220 square meters, Shanghai Po Po is not just a feast for the eyes but also a place where visitors can experience the cosmopolitan living style of old Shanghai. The restaurant's layout includes a stylish service station placed in the middle, allowing staff to observe the entire area at a glance and better serve customers' needs.

The project, which started in July 2016 and finished in January 2017, was carried out in Hong Kong. The design team, led by Vincent Chi-wai Chiang, conducted extensive research, including a field trip to Shanghai to visit the Shanghai French Concession, studying journals, and attending a photo exhibition showcasing historical Shanghai. Through their research, they discovered that the use of color, lighting, and architectural forms were the three main elements in creating the desired mood of French meets China culture.

Overcoming various challenges, such as the restaurant's location at the corner of a mall, the design team managed to create a visually captivating entrance that draws curiosity. The wide-open design of the shop front, highlighted by a large illuminated sign, ensures that Shanghai Po Po stands out. Another challenge was to create a sense of compartmentalization within the restaurant, despite its location on the F&B floor of a mall. The team used architectural techniques to transform the space into a self-contained building, with brick columns defining its own indoor and outdoor areas. The natural and fresh outdoor seating contrasts with the intricately decorated indoor area, echoing the vibrant atmosphere of the shop.

Shanghai Po Po, with its nostalgic ambiance and attention to detail, offers visitors a unique dining experience that transports them to the romantic Shanghai of the past. The design, created by Vincent Chi-wai Chiang and his team at In Cube Design Limited, has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations.