Reviving Shanghai's Past: A Unique Tea Court Experience

Yu-Chi Liu and Yu-Ming Chen's Award-Winning Retail Design

The design concept for this project was inspired by the local surroundings of the store. The designers aimed to create a space where consumers could linger and enjoy their tea, while also experiencing a piece of Shanghai's history. The design features an antique aesthetic, reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s, and incorporates elements from the exterior environment into the interior space.

One of the unique properties of this design is the space frame that extends from the inside to the outside. This feature was inspired by the circular window of a nearby girls' school, creating a picturesque view from within the store. The tea drinking space is divided into sections to cater to different groups of people, from individuals to small gatherings. The starry chandeliers add a touch of elegance to the space, enhancing the overall tea drinking experience.

The design was realized using a variety of materials, including imitation clear concrete paint, natural wood, titanium brushed stainless steel plate, and semi-cast quartz brick. The store, which has 44 seats and covers an area of 137.85 square meters, was designed to provide a comfortable and inviting environment for customers.

The design process involved extensive research into the local culture and history of Shanghai. The designers took inspiration from a nearby girls' school, where famous Chinese writer Ailing Zhang once lived. The window shape of the store was derived from the building's window, and the wall texture was created using an old brush style painter to imitate the atmosphere of old Shanghai.

Despite the challenges of creating a unique design in a market saturated with tea brands, the designers were able to create a unique lifestyle experience for their client. The design was so well-received that it was voted as the No.1 most-loved store by customers in the local department store. This success is a testament to the designers' ability to blend history, culture, and modern design elements into a unique and memorable retail experience.

Yu-Chi Liu and Yu-Ming Chen's design for Extract, a beverage chain store in Shanghai, is a shining example of how thoughtful design can create a unique and memorable experience for customers. By blending elements of Shanghai's past with modern design techniques, they have created a space that is not only functional but also tells a story. This design serves as a reminder of the power of design to connect us with our past, while also shaping our present and future.