Kokaistudios has undertaken a transformative redesign of Mr & Mrs Bund – internationally acclaimed chef Paul Pairet’s flagship restaurant in Shanghai. Kokaistudios was tremendously excited to be asked by Pairet to revisit the design of the innovative culinary destination ahead of its re-launch. The restaurant sits on the sixth floor of the Bund 18 building – Kokaistudios’ first project in China eleven years ago.
The client envisioned a complete reinvention of the restaurant interiors, and hoped to capitalise on Kokaistudios’ European design ethos, its ability to craft bespoke, luxurious environments, and its record of delivering exceptional new concepts for international clientele in Asia.
Through a collaborative approach, Kokaistudios has created a unique and innovative product tailored for chef Pairet’s cuisine. Mr & Mrs Bund’s redesign has transformed the space into a casual high-end dining space, free from the confines of traditional fine dining, full of subtle surprises and discoveries for all diners.
The venue transforms throughout the day, from business lunch destination, to an evening fine dining space and a glamorous late night venue. The bespoke design fully encapsulates Paul Pairet’s artisanal philosophy and spirit, complementing and elevating the cuisine to create a multi-dimensional experience for diners.
Kokaistudios’ design concept was inspired by a modern interpretation of a French brasserie. Using classic French motifs and a palette of traditional French materials, the design studio has created an environment adaptable to a variety of functions. The custom lighting system facilitates the restaurant’s dichotomous character – soft and elegant in the daytime with a dynamic and romantic atmosphere at night.
The interiors are further augmented by a series of custom designed furniture pieces, trompe-l’Åil across the walls and an innovative seating design. The entire back of house has also undergone a complex re-design to cater for Paul’s enhanced menu.
From its pre-existing décor to its new bespoke environment, Mr & Mrs Bund has come a long way in building its name as a Shanghai institution. The artistic collaboration between Kokaistudios and Paul Pairet has already strengthened the restaurant’s status – now rated in the Asian top 20 destinations and Shanghai’s top four destinations. The restaurant’s status has also risen within Bund 18, which is known as a culinary mecca for discerning diners across the world.
