Aster by Joshua Paris translates its botanical muse - the aster, a flower whose name also means “star” - into an immersive material composition. The space is anchored by an expressive palette of oak, stone, concrete, clay, and warm metal, articulated through five design archetypes inspired by the flower: Disc, Radiation of Petals, Duplication, Root, and Constellation.
The Disc forms the heart, where a circular central bar and wraparound chef’s counter create a unified stage between the front and back of house. Organised in concentric rings - including the bar, kitchen-facing seating, and outer circulation - the layout enables fluid 360-degree service. At ground level, a soft halo of light and hand-modelled clay counters, in contrast to herringbone oak flooring, radiate outward like roots. Radiation of Petals appears above as 39 recycled xuan-paper petals. Their violet translucency is illuminated into a celestial canopy suspended within modular frames. These petals can be re-dyed, and the frames can be reused.
Duplication continues along the façade, where layered pendant lights align with the structure, complemented by precise downlighting that defines each table. The VIP mezzanine shifts the material mood with walnut, velvet, woven textiles, and antique bronze, while mirrored bronze panels expand the space and reflect a constellation of suspended smoky-violet elements. Oak detailing, stone edges softened into rounded forms, and subtle concrete surfaces create a range of touchable finishes.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name: Aster by Joshua Paris
Typology: Hospitality, bar and restaurant
Location: Shanghai, China
Floor Area: 308.9 m²
Completion: June 2025
Studio: RooMoo Design Studio, Shanghai
Lighting Design: Shanghai Baizi Lighting Engineering Design Co Ltd
MEP: Chengdu Zhongtong Architectural Decoration Design Co Ltd
Construction: Shanghai Suji Decoration Engineering Co Ltd
Furniture And Custom-Made Lighting Supplier: Shanghai YiZhu Decorating Engineering Co Ltd
Photography: Wen Studio
Tao Zhang, Ray Zhang And Marine Bois Co-Founders, Roomoo Design Studio, Shanghai
Founded in Shanghai in 2017 by Tao Zhang, Ray Zhang and Marine Bois, RooMoo Design Studio crafts spaces that move beyond function to create emotional, sensory-driven experiences. Known for its hospitality and restaurant projects, the studio also works across commercial and residential environments. Positioned between industrial precision and artisanal craftsmanship, RooMoo develops bespoke materials, furniture and lighting to build strong narrative identities, while prioritizing sustainability, material reuse and collaboration with local craftsmen to deliver thoughtful, contemporary and responsible design.