A Chic Bar in Chengdu’s Taikoo Li
Chengdu Hummingbird Design Consultant combined colourful neon lights and traditional Chinese elements in Erma Pub Taikoo Li, a chic new destination for the city’s younger set. Here designer Tang Jiajun tells us more about the project
Design Anthology: How did you first meet the client and what was their brief to you for the project?
Jiajun Tang: The client contacted us after visiting some of our recent projects. Their brief for Erma Pub was to create a bar that reinterprets the commercial model of a traditional pub.
What’s great about the neighbourhood and what makes the location unique?
The bar takes over a 770-square-metre space near Taikoo Li — the commercial core of Chengdu. The neighbourhood is a popular weekend shopping destination for both locals and tourists.
How did you approach the project — what design references did you try to incorporate into the space?
We designed the bar with young and diverse 20-something consumers in mind. We believe this group likes to see their culture represented in design, so this was one of our goals for the project.
We developed a visual concept that permeates both the interior and the external design. The enclosed, non-linear layout of the space allows different groups to sit together. And rather than creating a space that feels too refined, we focused on creating a relaxed atmosphere. We think it’s an experience that caters well to a young crowd.
In commercial design in China, we tend to place more importance on elements that promote certain experiences. Here the balconies on the second floor create a sense of connection and interaction between the two floors, and across the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space.
We retained the red bricks and the simple metal elements of the original building, and incorporated Chinese screens to soften the palette and add a cultural element to the space.
Please tell us about some of the custom pieces for the space.
The main custom feature is the lighting: a combination of peach-pink and aquamarine neon lights that creates a captivating ambience and truly embodies the concept of Erma Pub. We also designed a series of bespoke sofas and seats that makes the space look polished and neat.
Images / He Chuan
