Padma Semarang reimagines the urban resort as a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
Perched high above the sprawling city, the Empire Sky Bar reimagines Rostov-on-Don’s nightlife experience. Fusing the intricate charm of Shanghainese tradition with Art Deco sophistication, the design offers a sensorial journey where heritage, glamour, and modern refinement meet in perfect balance.
The Empire Sky Bar was envisioned as more than a nightlife venue; it had to capture the pulse of Shanghai itself. The brief called for a space that exuded Art Deco sophistication while grounding itself in the city’s rich heritage. Set against Rostov-on-Don’s electrifying skyline, the interiors needed to feel cinematic, layered with traditional Chinese elements, yet appealing to a cosmopolitan audience. The challenge was to create a bar that perfectly mirrored the dual character of the city.
The concept drew inspiration from Shanghai’s golden age, when Art Deco flourished alongside traditional Chinese architecture. Distinctive design cues such as intricate partitions, geometric motifs, and lacquered finishes are paired with plush red and blue velvet upholstery, creating a dialogue between East and West. Modern light installations added a contemporary glow, while carefully layered materials and forms ensured a design language that was both nostalgic and forward-looking.
A defining highlight of the project is its dramatic approach to lighting, which sets the tone from the very first impression. Guests are welcomed by a striking red chandelier at the entrance, a bold statement piece that immediately evokes the glamour of old Shanghai. Inside, sculptural gold chandeliers suspended above the bar and dining areas wash the interiors in a warm, opulent glow, while neon accents in the private dining room add a contemporary edge.
The result is a sky bar that embodies Shanghai’s identity: glamorous, layered, and cosmopolitan. Empire Sky Bar is not only a venue for indulgence but also a cultural statement, inviting guests to inhabit a design that celebrates the city’s evolution. By blending heritage with contemporary elegance, studio ara has crafted a destination that resonates as both timeless and distinctly modern.
Padma Semarang reimagines the urban resort as a dialogue between heritage and modernity.
The Andaz London Liverpool Street channels the romance of the Victorian era, reinterpreted through East London’s avant-garde lens.
Hyatt Regency Rostov-on-Don captures the modern spirit of southern Russia’s most cosmopolitan city.
The David Kempinski project blends Bauhaus-inspired geometry with modern luxury accents.
