Atelier xy Limited 向域设计事务所

Secret Bar

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

SECRET BAR

Atelier xy

INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Atelier xy

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Xiaofeng Qi

DESIGN TEAM
Yuyang Wang, Xi Chen

CONSULTANT
Zenko lighting design

COLLABORATOR
Shanghai Shuqi architecture Construction Company

PRODUCT DESIGN
Notion common, Atelier xy

PHOTOGRAPHS
Shengliang Su, Yanyun Hu

AREA
160 m²

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Shanghai, China

CATEGORY
Bar, Interior Design

Located in Shanghai’s former French Concession, Atelier xy was tasked with designing the interior of a bar in the heart of Shanghai. Many shops and restaurants line the hustle and bustle of the adjacent street.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

To enter, guests walk up the stairs through a long and dark corridor, which acts as a transition between the noisy exterior and the quiet interior. Once the reception is reached, the unique character of this place slowly reveals itself.

The design of interior and custom furniture does not seek a particular style; rather it was done so to ensure all functions and operational requirements are fully met while serving as an extension of the brand founder’s fondness for insects.

The bar is divided into four spatial components: the foyer, the communal bar, the lounge and the chamber.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

The communal bar is the core of the venue. Its 12-meter length consists of multiple ice and drip trays and equipment which can accommodate six to eight bartenders simultaneously.

Here the tone is deliberately warm with the use of Burmese teak, leather, and copper. To celebrate the art of cocktail making, only a few selected tools on the countertop are visible to guests.

The minimal design of the back wall and countertop allows for better interaction between guests and bar tenders. Carefully located light fixtures help guests immerse themselves in the art of cocktail making and accentuate elements critical of this activity.

Secret Bar
© Yanyun Hu
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

Opposite the communal bar is the glass brick wall, which acts as a multi-functional element. 5mm black iron is used for the drawers which are embedded within and when extended, several insect species are revealed.

The same drawers also act as side tables for guests to put glasses on when higher occupancy is needed.

The lounge uses a number of dark colored materials, creating its own character within this venue. This is a casual space with loose furniture that can be arranged as desired.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

The custom furniture allows for loose seats to be converted to side tables. A butterfly wall dominates the interior of this space with the aid of a tiny light source.

The Chamber Room acts as a laboratory for bar tenders. Entry to this space is through a heavy sliding glass brick door with floor and ceiling tracks. The heavy push required further signifies the unique character of this space.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
Courtesy of Atelier xy

Various tools (centrifuges, rotary distillation machines, homogenizers, etc) within the cabinetry allow bartenders to hone their skills and perform their experiments in front of guests.

The room also offers a projecting view of the communal bar countertop in order to provide VIP guests a glimpse of activities there.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su

The restroom is a dimly lit space to further express the mystery concept of the design. The centerpiece is an island counter which encourages unexpected encounters among guests.Using a few light fixtures, the intent is to express the island like an art work taking center stage in this space.

Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su


Secret Bar
© Yanyun Hu
Secret Bar
© Yanyun Hu
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su
Secret Bar
© Yanyun Hu
Secret Bar
Courtesy of Atelier xy
Secret Bar
© Shengliang Su


Secret Bar
Diagram
Secret Bar
Diagram
Secret Bar
Diagram
Secret Bar
Diagram


Secret Bar
Courtesy Of Atelier Xy
Secret Bar
Courtesy Of Atelier Xy
Secret Bar
Courtesy Of Atelier Xy


Secret Bar
Plan

Atelier xy Limited 向域设计事务所
Atelier xy Limited 向域设计事务所
117 Xingfu Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China 200052 上海市长宁区幸福路117号