Kokaistudios has completed the re-design of Bar Rouge – a legendary nightlife landmark in Shanghai. Occupying the top floor of the Bund 18 building – a UNESCO awarded heritage building, which itself was Kokaistudios’ first project in Asia – Bar Rouge has established a successful international reputation in its first 10 years of operation.
Drawing inspiration from a mix of modern and traditional Chinese and European influences, the new interior is an utterly unique environment. The club takes the culture of modern clubbing and fuses it with Asian hospitality and service. Delivering on its promise to the client, Kokaistudios has firmly re-established Bar Rouge as a top club in Shanghai, creating a space for the next generation of local and international patrons to enjoy the exclusive Bar Rouge experience.
Having undergone several small-scale renovations during the past decade, the client approached Kokaistudios to undertake a complete 4-month renovation of the venue, with the goal of re- vitalizing the Bar Rouge brand. The design studio were tasked with adapting Bar Rouge to the needs of today’s consumer whilst retaining the glamour and spirit of the original venue – a mystic, imaginary space with exceptional vibrancy, music, and service.
Kokaistudios’ design reimagines Bar Rouge as a fashion show, and the decorative elements draw strong inspiration from the spirit of the catwalk. The décor includes a flashbulb LED wall at the entrance, a series of bespoke sparkling director chairs, and iconic Fortuny lamps hung as lighting umbrellas above the central red bar.
The venue provides a range of open, semi-private and private spaces to cater for the public, discrete groups and larger private parties. The venue encourages voyeuristic glimpses and chance encounters, from the central, vibrant bar to the surrounding lounge areas inspired by traditional Chinese boxes and beds, through to the open terrace with a breath-taking view of the Bund and the Pudong skyline. It is the place to see and be seen, or simply to sit back and enjoy the runway show against a backdrop of invigorating imagery.
Bar Rouge has been shortlisted in the Bars category of the World Interior News Awards 2015
