4SPACE Design

MOLI by SHI, designed by 4SPACE, is a contemporary dining experience rooted in the elegance and symbolism of traditional Chinese architecture. The project weaves cultural heritage with modern luxury, creating an immersive environment where craftsmanship, narrative, and spatial drama converge. The name Moli, meaning “Jasmine” in Chinese, sets the conceptual tone — a symbol of purity, grace, and quiet refinement that unfolds throughout the interior.

From arrival, guests are drawn into a carefully choreographed spatial journey. The entrance is framed by guardian lion statues, establishing a ceremonial threshold reminiscent of traditional Chinese temples. This gesture immediately anchors the experience in cultural memory while preparing visitors for a richly layered interior.
Inside, the space is defined by architectural elements that reinterpret tradition through a contemporary lens. Walls clad in intricately carved wood panels form a textured backdrop, transforming surfaces into narrative canvases that reflect the depth and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. Plush banquettes, upholstered with jacquard velvet featuring motifs inspired by Chinese mythology, introduce comfort while reinforcing the storytelling embedded within the space.

A defining architectural feature of MOLI is the prominent use of the Dougong system — an ancient Chinese structural technique based on interlocking wooden brackets. Reimagined within the restaurant’s columns, this element serves both a structural and symbolic role, celebrating historic construction methods while adding sculptural rhythm and architectural gravitas to the interior.

Above, the ceiling becomes a luminous focal point. Large pendant light installations shaped like jasmine blossoms hover delicately overhead, casting a soft ambient glow that enhances the atmosphere and reinforces the project’s central theme. As evening falls, the central floor subtly illuminates, transforming the dining space into an intimate and theatrical setting.

Flow and movement are further articulated through a metallic bead curtain that weaves through the interior, merging walls, ceilings, and columns into a single fluid composition. Inspired by the sinuous motion of a dragon, this installation begins at the entrance and gently guides guests through the restaurant, adding dynamism and a sense of continuity.

Furniture throughout MOLI is custom-designed to align seamlessly with the architectural narrative. Crafted with references to traditional Chinese woodworking techniques, each piece balances form and function while embodying cultural authenticity. Materials, textures, and detailing were selected with meticulous care to ensure that the furniture does not merely occupy the space, but actively participates in its storytelling.

MOLI by SHI stands as a refined dialogue between past and present — a space where traditional Chinese architecture is neither replicated nor ornamentalized, but thoughtfully reinterpreted through contemporary design language. The result is an immersive dining environment that feels timeless, expressive, and deeply rooted in cultural identity.

Project: MOLI by SHI
Designers: 4SPACE