The Concept: A Door to the Unknown
Lieben Bar Shanghai, designed by All Design Studio, transforms the simple idea of a doorway into a poetic and immersive interior narrative. At the heart of the concept lies the dual symbolism of the door—an object that conceals, reveals, and invites. The bar is not just a place to drink, but rather a story that begins with curiosity and unfolds like a riddle.
Hidden Entrance and Immersive Access
Visitors approach a raw concrete wall with a peephole. Yet, the door embedded in it is not the real entry. In fact, it’s a clever illusion. A few steps away, a real passage reveals itself—a subtle twist that reinforces the bar’s speakeasy identity. This small deception immediately places the guest into a mindset of exploration, hinting at the multi-sensory experience that follows.
Materials and Mood: Industrial Meets Mystery
Inside, the bar embraces a palette of industrial textures. Eight recycled concrete doors form the front of the suspended bar counter, while the rear wall features rusted iron plates and soft black leather, creating a contrast of roughness and refinement. Subtle lighting accentuates these materials, enveloping the space in mystery and intimacy. As a result, the environment feels cinematic—almost theatrical—drawing guests deeper into its atmosphere.
Interior Layout: A Multi-Layered Narrative
The spatial layout follows the theme of “reveal and conceal.” Curved walls guide movement, while the seating arrangement allows for both seclusion and interaction. The ceiling height, often overlooked in bar design, plays a crucial role here. It compresses and expands to enhance the dramatic journey across different zones. Moreover, every detail—from the curved iron installations to the placement of mirrors—contributes to a feeling of being part of a secret, unfolding story.
The Outdoor Space: “Spotlight” Art Installation
Lieben Bar Shanghai extends beyond its interior. The rooftop terrace features a public art sculpture titled Spotlight, inspired by the planet Venus at dawn. Created as an abstract star, it reflects light onto the surrounding terrace, making the bar visible even from afar. This gesture ties the bar to the urban landscape and opens its narrative to the city itself.
Location: 2nd Floor, Building 1, No. 758 Julu Rolad, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Area: 160 square meters
Design Firm: All Design Studio
Supervisor: Overeem Hou / Olivia Yao
Design Director: Gnial Liang
Rendering: Visual Wang Studio
Construction: J-DECOR CONTRACTING CO. LTD.
Photographer: Yuuuunstudio