"The process of recollection involves memory, and memory is accompanied by recollection." - Aristotle
Memory is something from the past, an active reproduction of things that have occurred within the brain. However, recollection is different. It occurs in the past but is presented in the present. It is a joint construction of perception, emotion, and imagination.
The interior design of the Tian Cai Izakaya draws inspiration from the architectural style of the old Shanghai Shikumen lanes, reminiscent of memories of the past. Upon entering the metal components at the entrance, one feels as if transported into a vintage elevator from the 20th century, transitioning from the modern architectural landscape. The brightly colored hanging cloths and bar racks at the top immediately catch the eye, evoking the scene of clothes drying in the courtyard of a Shikumen. The handmade wallpaper on the ceiling imitates the sky, and traditional bamboo rods are used for the details. The floor is made of a unique Chinese inkstone black marble, processed into a litchi surface to imitate the outdoor ground of a courtyard. The pattern design on the hanging cloths deconstructs the shop's Japanese logo, adding an exotic touch, and the bar racks filled with liquor bottles enhance the unique lively atmosphere of the izakaya.
The private rooms on either side are structured like the living rooms in Shikumen houses, and the handcrafted bricks on the walls translate the grooves on the red brick facades, arranged in a traditional yet modern way, including the details of the door and air vent. After opening the curtains, the private rooms exude a cozy feeling of home, with well-coordinated orange wood paneling and soft furnishings. The large mirrors expand the visual sense. The design of the large private room at the end serves the function of accommodating two groups of guests at the same time or merging into one room. The floor is replaced with a warmer herringbone parquet. The soft furnishings and furniture in the entire space combine traditional techniques with modern design, conveying memories while also giving a fashionable sense, including the lacquered surface treatment and carefully selected fabrics. Especially the selection of wall hangings is bold and vivid, "fully" reflecting the atmosphere of the space.
The "strong" features of the public toilets in traditional alleyways inspired us in the design of the restroom. The small square tiles of ten by ten, just like those in our memories, were replaced with custom-made metal tiles. The joints were intentionally filled with vibrant orange color. The lighting at the top was modeled after the high side windows of public toilets, and even the faucet and water pipes were chosen in an old-fashioned brass style.
