TOMACADO || A Quiet Respite From Shanghai's Fast-Paced Lifestyle
The space thrums with the calming energy of nature.
Combining a flower shop with an elevated restaurant dining environment, Tomacado provides a quiet respite from the frantic big-city energy of Shanghai. Large flowers adorn the exterior of the restaurant to highlight the floral-inspired theme, while the windows offering a glimpse into the elegant dining area resemble the shape and layers of flower petals.
Inside the restaurant, it seems as though you are inside a bouquet of flowers; embraced in the graceful, curving stems of the flowers as they reach up to the ceiling. The spiral staircase, in particular, has this effect; in the same area, the designers created a floral installation featuring the magnolia denudata, which is the flower of Shanghai. The curved structures and lines connect the ceilings, walls and floor, shaping a soft, fluid space infused with rhythm.
The floral theme and the beauty of flowers are placed front and center by using grayish-white cement as the main material element. The subdued backdrop allows guests to focus on the blooming florals. Soft ambient lighting is nestled amongst the curves of the dining space; natural light filters in from the windows and skylight above to create interesting, ever-changing patterns from the interplay of light and shadow in the space.
The curves, ambient lighting, and natural light come together to create a whimsical vibe.
A floral installation at the spiral staircase features the magnolia denudata, the iconic flower of Shanghai.
Other playful details are thoughtfully integrated into the interior design, such as the walls that appear to peel back to reveal florals hidden underneath. Dainty pendant lights in the shape of a flower in full bloom reach down from the ceiling to light each dining table; even the dining chairs remind us of flower stems gently placed into a vase.
To dine at Tomacado is to enter a secret garden, where you will find comfort in the soft lighting, playful shadows and flowing architecture.
Whimsical details such as walls that appear to be peeled back. to reveal hidden flowers add a playful vibe to this haven.
Even the furnishings have fluid shapes that resemble the curves of flower petals.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project name: Tomacado (Shanghai IFC)
Location: Shanghai International Financial Center (IFC)
Category: commercial space
Area: 320 square meters
Completion time: March 2021
Design scope: interior, soft decoration, architecture
Design firm: Liang Architecture Studio
Creative director: Xu Liang
Chief designer: Zhou Zesi
Decoration design: Wang Xinyan
Design team: Zhou Zesi, Sun Yongfang, Wang Xinyan, Cheng Pingping, Li Qing, Lu Xin, Xu Liang
Photographer: Sun Jun, Xu Liang
Art installation: Tomacado
Lighting design consultant: Yang Ke
Lighting design firm: YAANK
Construction firm: Zhima Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.