Miao Ning Wang Is Honored with the Bronze A' Design Award for Como Tu Bar in Interior Space and Exhibition Design

The Work

Project

Como Tu Bar

Function

Bar

Category

Interior Space and Exhibition Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture and Packaging & Retail

Colors

Black, Saddle Brown, Dark Olive Green, Dim Gray and Rosy Brown

Images

5

Client

Moogur Studio

The Recognition

Laureate

Miao Ning Wang

Country

Taiwan (China)

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2025 - 2026

Design ID

#176727

Credits

Team

Miao-Ning Wang

Image Credits

Moogur Studio

Design Details

Unique Properties

The project's highlight is its curved glass-brick facade, which refracts light into layered patterns, maintaining privacy while sparking curiosity. At night, interior lighting spills outward, turning the corner into a romantic landmark. Inside, a dark green-tiled bar counter, supported by stainless steel tubes, is divided into work, service, and guest zones, with material and height variations allowing light and air flow. A curved ceiling with concealed lighting enhances openness within 62.8 m2. An exposed I-beam and layered wall treatments preserve history while blending retro and modern elements.

Inspiration

Located in Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district, the project sits along a street where pedestrian activity has declined, but the textures of heritage buildings remain. Centered on 'fusion of old and new,' the design revitalizes the space while honoring traditional crafts. Inspired by observing passersby, it employs light, shadow, and materiality to invite pedestrians to pause and enter. The project preserves the existing structure, extends the cultural fabric, and redefines the commercial space through contemporary expression.

Research

Located in Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district, the project centers on blending old and new. Light, shadow, and materials preserve heritage textures while redefining commercial space. The curved glass-brick facade refracts layered light by day and glows at night, balancing privacy and openness. The dark green tile and stainless steel bar counter organize work, service, and seating with lightness. A preserved I-beam and textured walls dialogue with history. Curved ceilings, concealed lighting, and terracotta-like flooring create intimacy in 62.8square meters, inviting visitors to pause and engage.

Challenge

The main challenge was the curved glass-brick wall. Heavy and costly, the bricks required carpenters to first create templates and stack them modularly, coordinating repeatedly with suppliers to achieve precise curvature, seamless joints, and structural stability. Uneven, warped original flooring had to be fully redone and leveled, increasing time and cost. Additionally, the client's commercial schedule demanded close collaboration between design and construction teams to complete the 62.8square meters project within just three months.

Realization and Technology

Material choices maintained continuity with original elements. The floor was relaid with terracotta-like tiles, honoring traditional methods. Walls feature three layers of special paint for mottled textures. The bar counter combines dark green tiles with stainless steel round-tube supports for lightness and durability. Portions of the ceiling and wood veneer were retained and stained to harmonize old and new. The palette of deep, steady hues fosters intimacy and immersion under soft lighting, evoking the warmth of enjoying a quiet drink at home.

Operation and Interaction

Both the client and patrons responded with strong approval. Many customers entered for the first time simply because they were drawn by the shifting light through the glass bricks, often returning to become regulars. The proportions of the bar counter were consistently praised for being just right, close enough to foster easy conversation with bartenders, yet sufficiently distanced to avoid pressure. The sofa area quickly became the preferred choice for groups of friends, offering a vantage point to view both the overall ambience and the bartending process, shaping a relaxed and story-filled experience.

Project Duration and Location

The project finished in May 2025 in Taiwan.

Specifications

The space measures approximately 62.8 square meters. During renovation, the original semi-open entrance was transformed into a curved facade, significantly enhancing visibility and identity. The interior is organized around the bar counter, with sofas and small tables arranged along the walls to accommodate both casual visitors and small group gatherings. Restrooms and storage are positioned at the rear, maintaining fluid circulation. The introduction of curved elements elongates sightlines and relieves the sense of constraint, ensuring a balance between commercial function and atmosphere.

Keywords

Glass-Brick Facade, Fusion of Old and New, Dadaocheng, Curved Design, Bar Atmosphere, Special Paint, Sustainable Materials