STUDIO DOHO developed an “Urban Surf” concept for the design of the new Poke Poke restaurant in Shanghai. The 32 sqm project included interior renovation and ground floor facade improvement of an existing building in the heart of the bustling city. The client’s brief challenged the designers to create a modern eatery that reflects the Hawaiian origins of its food and utilizes the constraints of the small space. Site limitations forced the main entrance to be located away from the main street, which created a challenge --a large solid wall at the primary retail storefront. STUDIO DOHO responded to this challenge by creating a gradient tile mosaic on the façade wall, which makes a bold statement on the streetscape and attracts customers to the store entrance. The blue and white tile mosaic represents the ocean at the horizon, where the water meets the sky, which references the “Urban Surf” concept. Outdoor bar counters complete the concept by accenting the facade with colorful blue curved tips, reminiscent of old wooden surfboards. The exterior counter curves into the interior ordering area, linking the outside and inside space to optimize seating for customers. The colorful material palette was kept simple on the cozy interior to create a relaxing café atmosphere.