% Arabica Yugarden, Shanghai, 2025

Located within Yu Garden, Shanghai’s historic garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this shop seeks to bridge centuries of architectural heritage with a contemporary sensibility. Though restored many times, the garden continues to embody the timeless spirit of traditional Chinese architecture. The design draws inspiration from the moon gate, a circular opening long associated with Chinese gardens as a threshold between one scene and the next. Reimagined for the shop’s compact interior, six moon-gate frames are arranged in sequence, each gradually expanding in scale toward the entrance. Like a series of unfolding views in a classical garden, the layered frames create depth and gently guide visitors toward the heart of the space. Rather than dividing the interior with walls, the frames define a subtle rhythm of openness and enclosure, inviting visitors to wander freely and discover the shop at their own pace. Brass detailing along the edges of the frames echoes the golden accents found throughout Yu Garden. As light moves across the surface, it lends warmth and softness to the interior, creating an atmosphere that feels both rooted in history and quietly contemporary.

Photo : Kobe