Morph: A Modern Chinese Bar with a Romantic Twist

Bringing Ancient Love Stories to Life

Morph, a boutique design rooftop bar located at Hangzhou Kempinski Hotel, is capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its unique concept inspired by an ancient Chinese legend. The bar, designed by MARS DESIGN CONSULTANTS, aims to be the most iconic part of the hotel, immersing guests in a dreamy atmosphere and bringing the vibrant Hangzhou nightlife to life.

The design of Morph is centered around the ancient Chinese love story of LiangZhu. The bar tells the tale through its captivating visuals, taking inspiration from the dazzling iridescent wings of the Morph butterfly. The design team at MARS DESIGN CONSULTANTS has skillfully incorporated the unique features of both the male and female counterparts of the butterfly, resulting in a gynandromorph design.

The main planar element of Morph is a kaleidoscope-like butterfly pattern, representing the unpredictable and mysterious qualities of the blue butterfly in the play of light and shadow. This pattern is not only featured in the logo but also extends to the menu, dynamic projections, and artwork throughout the bar. The choice of fonts adds a young and stylish touch, perfectly complementing the futuristic interior design.

One of the key strengths of Morph is its ability to transform a traditional legend into a modern city's landmark. The emotional expression is evident in every aspect of the design, from the carefully selected colors to the intricate patterns. The bar serves as a bridge between the past and the present, firmly grounding travelers in the local culture and providing them with a truly immersive experience.

The design team at MARS DESIGN CONSULTANTS has paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element of Morph contributes to the overall dining experience. From the motion graphics to the wall art sculpture, every aspect has been carefully crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment. The bar aims to create a strong brand identity through an extraordinary dining experience, engaging all the senses of the customers.

The project, which started in 2019, was not without its challenges. The design team delved deep into local history and research to fully understand the Liangzhu story. They also studied the range, behavior, and wing structure of the blue morpho butterfly, gathering references to create an authentic and immersive experience. The team's dedication to research and attention to detail is evident in the final design of Morph.

Morph has already received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Step into Morph and be transported to a world where ancient legends meet modern design. Experience the vibrant Hangzhou nightlife like never before, as you indulge in delicious cocktails and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Liangzhu.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Mars Design Consultants
Image Credits: MARS
Project Team Members: Angela Lu Zhang Nico Xu YiFei
Project Name: Morph
Project Client: Mars Design Consultants


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