Firm: Atelier A 

Location: Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China

Category: Restaurant

Project Architect: Yanwen (Lily) Zhu

Area: 51 m2

Project Year: 2021

Photographs: Byungmin Jeon

Fine CHI Bistro & Canteen, another Fine’s trendy restaurant designed by Atelier A, opened this year on Wulumuqi Road in downtown Shanghai. Renovated from an old residence, the project values the history of the building, a philosophy that Atelier A firmly holds.    

The façade has a low-key but unique look, with its door and window frames made of distressed dark wood. Under the window is a bar table facing outward, creating a casual street-food-stand effect, as an extension of the cosy atmosphere inside. In order to utilise the space to its maximum, the cashier, air-conditioning, storage room and dumbwaiter are all put into one spatial box, surrounded by stairs leading to the second floor. 

The design for interior decorations also conforms to the principle of authenticity. No unnecessary alternations are made to the space or materials of the original building. The beam is transformed as the lighting structure. Recycled wood is used for the floor. Nothing is applied on the walls but putty and old torn wallpapers. The overall unadorned and vintage style of the bistro is in harmony with the surrounding historical region.