What is Steam Wave?
On Top Bar and Buying Shop integrates the steam wave style to craft a unique artistic environment. The design centers around steam wave metal, faults, and dreamlike elements, aiming to immerse customers in the visual and emotional essence of steam waves while they shop and enjoy their drinks.
Bars and Shops
Combining the functions of a bar and a shop presented the biggest design challenge. Shop customers tend to flow frequently and stay briefly, whereas bar patrons remain seated for extended periods. To address this, the designer implemented a surround-style circulation flow within the seating layout, cleverly merging the exhibition and seating areas.
The clothing display is positioned in a darker zone to prevent fading. Artworks and vintage televisions occupy the central space, while seating is arranged in the brighter area, serving as a negotiation zone and fitting room during daytime. At night, the fitting room converts into a private room, thus achieving a seamless functional transition.
Light-Dominated Steam Wave Environment
Lighting plays a crucial role in the design, categorized into point, line, surface, and volume light sources. These terms describe the spatial scope of light, not the shape of the source itself. Volume lighting defines functional zones, surface lighting highlights key features, line lighting outlines local contours, and point lighting enhances the color layering. These lighting types interact and transform in specific settings, collectively creating the signature steam wave visual effect.
Reflection and Fault-Inspired Materials
The material selection emphasizes the steam wave themes of “reflection” and “fault.” Metal furniture and mirrors amplify reflective effects. The triangular design of the semi-transparent acrylic display cabinet enhances light reflection, creating a multidimensional visual.
The wardrobe’s sunlit panel door adds a “fault” effect to the displayed clothing. Additionally, plastic curtains and patterned drapes in the fitting room visually express the steam wave language through both “reflection” and “fault” concepts.
Brand Identity and Furniture Design
The On Top brand logo merges the letters “OT” with the steam wave motif inspired by the sunset over the sea, creating a cohesive brand image aligned with the spatial concept. Furniture design also embraces the steam wave theme, complementing the overall environment.
Conclusion
With the design complete, the envisioned steam wave world comes alive. On Top is more than a bar and shop—it is a vessel for cultural expression.
Project Information
Materials used: Floor color-changing paint, tri green paint, wall coating, Dulux Super Easy to Wash, top coating, Dulux Jialian
Project Name: On Top Boutique & Bar Interior Design
Project Type: Indoor Renovation
Status: Completed
Design period: July 2024 to August 2024
Construction period: August 2024 to October 2024
Land area: 76.69 square meters
Building area: 76.69 square meters
Email: office@mharchitects.com.cn
Lead Architect: Wen Meihui
Principal Architect Email: mh@mharchitects.com.cn
Photographers: Mihei Architecture, Dong Chaochen, Koya, Lu Xinfeng, Stone Wang
Partner: Construction team led by Zhang Yi
Office Abbreviation: Mihei Architecture
Project Address: 491 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Contact Name: Wen Meihui
Contact Email: office@mharchitects.com.cn
Client: On Top Boutique & Bar
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