info@meraki.com
*
+44 20 6068 2668
*
info@meraki.com
*
+44 20 6068 2668
*
info@meraki.com
*
+44 20 6068 2668
*
info@meraki.com
*
+44 20 6068 2668
*

Sectors

Hospitality & Lifestyle

Location

Guangzhou,China

Area

360 m²

Status

Completed

CHATBY is a hybrid commercial space conceptualized as a "contemporary ancestral hall." By pushing the storefront inward, it creates an inviting open corridor. Blending Chaoshan cultural elements, dining, and art, it fosters a deep connection between people, objects, and the neighborhood.

Conceived as a "Contemporary Ancestral Hall," CHATBY redefines the boundaries of modern commercial venues by prioritizing community gathering and shared values over mere consumption. The spatial design begins with a gesture of urban activism: pushing the street-facing wall inward by three meters to create an inviting, open corridor. This semi-outdoor "in-between" space blurs the lines between staying and passing, gently breaking down the rigid order of the concrete city. The extra-long symmetrical facade seamlessly connects the intricate, organic pathways of the interior with the outside world, setting the stage for a diverse network of activities—from private dinners and late-night drinks to art exhibitions and neighborhood markets.

At the heart of the interior lies the "Pavilion in the Courtyard," constructed with birch square columns and black metal components. This central structure orchestrates a profound dialogue between traditional heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Carefully curated design elements, such as the Eight Immortals' table, horse lamps, and black bamboo structures, intertwine with implicit Chaoshan visual cues. These cultural identifiers not only reflect the culinary offerings and the team's background but also evoke a strong sense of roots and belonging. By superimposing varying textures, morphologies, and dynamic lighting, the space transcends its commercial function, offering an atmospheric sanctuary where everyday life and spiritual grounding seamlessly coexist.

The spatial layout further emphasizes the "Aesthetics of Relationships" by meticulously balancing the interactions between people and objects, as well as among individuals. On one side, the Gin School serves as both a production and exhibition space, featuring custom elements like a cement-infused table and copper-carved cabinet doors that elevate functional design into a metaphysical experience. On the other side, private gathering spaces utilize flexible wooden panel walls and natural plants to offer a sense of autonomy within the public realm. Ultimately, CHATBY is not just a place to eat or drink; it is a cultural anchor that restores authentic interpersonal connections and celebrates the glittering, everyday moments of human existence.