MC Bar is located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. The project is conceived as an interior intervention for an urban social space, aiming to establish a setting that operates at a slower pace within the dense rhythm of the city. Through the coordinated use of spatial configuration, material selection, and lighting design, the project creates an environment that is visually and spatially distinct from its surroundings.

The design focuses on moderating the pace of use by reducing external distractions and reinforcing an inward-oriented spatial experience. Rather than relying on explicit symbolic elements, the project adopts a continuous spatial language, using controlled geometries and calibrated lighting to establish a stable and cohesive atmosphere.

The layout is structured around three key components: the entrance, a transitional zone, and the central bar. At the entrance, a sequence of curved walls generates a layered spatial progression, guiding visitors gradually into the interior. These curved surfaces operate across both plan and elevation, shaping circulation paths while softening spatial boundaries and enhancing depth.

The bar is positioned at the core of the space, functioning as both a visual anchor and the primary programmatic element. Circulation is organised around this central feature, allowing surrounding areas to maintain a degree of independence while remaining spatially interconnected.

The material palette balances contrast and continuity. Walls are finished in a light-toned coating to enhance diffuse reflection, while the floor is defined by a terrazzo surface in a slightly darker shade, providing a stable visual base. The ceiling is treated in a deep tone, visually compressing the upper plane and directing attention toward the occupied zone.

The bar counter is constructed using a 3D-printed material derived from recycled wheat straw. Its textured surface produces subtle variations under artificial lighting, distinguishing it from surrounding elements while reinforcing its role as the spatial focal point. The material selection responds both to functional requirements and to the overall material hierarchy of the project.

Lighting is organised around a series of circular suspended fixtures, composed of elements with varying thicknesses and reflective properties. This system produces a soft and evenly distributed illumination across the space. Slight movements of the fixtures introduce a subtle dynamic quality, while reflective surfaces integrated into the walls further amplify light diffusion and spatial layering.