linehouse develops visual identity for baobao baozi-eateries

linehouse develops visual identity for baobao baozi-eateries

shanghai-based studio linehouse was commissioned to create a cohesive architectural language for ‘baobao’ a baozi-specialist eatery with locations in china and the US. creators of baozi, a common street food of steamed bread buns containing meat, vegetables, or sweets; the multi-location restaurant operates in garden-to-plate fashion, a trait which drove linehouse’s design concept.

‘baobao’ designed by linehouse
images © dirk weiblen

for the interior — linehouse oversaw several locations with similar intent — a glass ‘greenhouse’ was inserted into the space. large windows look into the unit where chefs are positioned. as guests dine, socialize, and relax, they are provided an intimate perspective on the rolling, crafting, and steaming of baozi.

dining area

a high shelf runs the proximity of the ‘greenhouse’. here, various plants bring green to the interior and stamped icons communicate ‘baobao’ identity. service areas are modeled on a wheelbarrow and garden tools. details including bluestone cobble flooring and toned wood give the restaurant a rustic, garden-path feel ideal for the client.

guests can watch the performance of baozi making: rolling, handcrafting and steaming 

in addition to architectural design, linehouse was responsible for all branding and graphics. a wandering pig and diverse range of vegetables are the main subjects, which can be found throughout ‘baobao’. six shops are now open for business including: alibaba campus in hangzhou, shanghai’s french concession, tongji university campus, and more. 

blue cobblestone floors, evoke images of a garden path and connect with the streetscape beyond

a high shelf circumnavigates the interior, with hanging greenery and stamped graphics throughout 
image © olivier dressen

a secondary location, also at tongji uni. campus

angled patio ceiling

the restaurant’s angular framework extends into the exterior

perforated metal panels shade ‘baobao’ guests BAOBAO’s while creating patterned shadows

plan

interior elevation

project info:

year: 2015
architect: linehouse
photography: dirk weiblen, olivier dressen (image 6)
graphic design: evelyn chiu
area: 62 sqm
location 1: 65 chifeng road, yangpu, shanghai
location 2: 1239 siping road, tongji university, shanghai

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom