Zachary Pulman Design Studio was asked by global sports and entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group and its developer partner SEAL, to design a series of nine mini-golf holes for a new venue ‘Lounge by Topgolf’ in Shanghai. Using a bright and bold colour palette, they incorporated elements from traditional Chinese culture whilst adding a modern twist. Taking inspiration from nature whilst avoiding creating skeuomorphic replicas. Now open, the venue is an urban indoor sports entertainment space located in the heart of Shanghai. An overarching concept of 'East-meets-West' is the driving theme of the venue's design and is inspired by the cultural, creative and contemporary hub of Shanghai and People's Square. When designing the hospitality spaces, Shanghai-based interior design agency hcreates ​​drew inspiration from the art and heritage of the People’s Square neighbourhood; exploring Chinese mediums in a contemporary way. Together with hcreates, Zachary Pulman Design Studio took inspiration from the flowing movement of Chinese calligraphy, which influenced the curving forms and flow of the space. The soft colours and texture of traditional Chinese watercolour paintings helped inform the earthy tones. Curved barriers of different shapes and sizes line the holes to emulate nature’s curves, with each hole representing a unique natural theme, paying homage to the metamorphic properties of the environment. For example, “Deep in the Sea” (Hole 1) features curved full-height wave-like forms to mimic the sea. Illuminated lily pad towers of different heights mark the beginning of each hole, doubling up as drinks tables and a bag storage solution for customers. Topgolf were keen for the tenth and final hole to be a standalone feature that provides visitors with a miniaturised experience of playing at Topgolf’s driving ranges. With longevity and adaptability in mind as well as an aim to reduce waste, the holes were designed in a way that would allow them to be moved to a new location in the future as well as being fully transformable. Using environmentally friendly, sustainable materials with a 'light touch,' and the least amount of materials possible to create maximum impact.