Designing a restaurant around the notion of a Western (or even Californian) lifestyle in historic Shanghai setting is quite an undertaking. The unique all new Taco Bell restaurant is located within Feng Sheng Li, a historic residential area of Shanghai. The entire complex features traditional Shanghai architecture – Shikumen – or literally “stone gate” buildings, which is an outstanding example of how Western style architecture can be fused with Chinese style of living. As a tribute to local architecture and its surrounding community, Taco Bell has preserved the building’s original design to create an environment that blends traditional Shanghai culture with Taco Bell’s California-based experience.

The Taco Bell alley design embraces this synergistic vision, tying in vivid colors and accents in a functional and durable space. Instead of generic outdoor arrangements, the Taco Bell design team took things to the next level and separated the alley space into several clusters to cater to different group sizes and dining habits, such as including a one sided bench where individuals can sit casually or where small groups can hang out and socialize.

Designed by The Swimming Pool
Photography by Sky Ye