Architecture
Chongqing Muer MUUUR Music Live by ARCHIHOPE Showcases a Symphony of Design

In the bustling CBD core of Jiefangbei, Chongqing, where the city pulses with the rhythm of commerce by day, a new kind of vibrancy emerges as night falls. Over 60% of China's tourism consumption unfolds after dusk, underscoring the critical role of nightlife in urban allure. It is within this dynamic landscape that "MUUUR" by ARCHIHOPE has carved out a captivating niche, unlocking the flow of the CBD's nocturnal energy

Chongqing, a city renowned for its undulating terrain and endless stairs, presents a unique canvas for architectural innovation. ARCHIHOPE's design team embraced this inherent challenge, constructing a "mountain stairs" experience within the 2,006-square-meter expanse of MUUUR, a metal jungle that echoes the city's distinctive topography. The very name "MUUUR" is a testament to the brand's intent: to fully liberate the senses, offering a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Hihope Zhu, Founder and Chief Architect of ARCHIHOPE

Beyond brand and positioning, the true triumph of MUUUR lies in its ability to convert traffic into a perpetual motion machine of dopamine. The night, a canvas for the night economy, also serves as a stage for authentic self-expression. Unlike the guarded interactions of the day, the night at MUUUR invites individuals to shed their inhibitions, to "remove the makeup" of their souls. It's a space that doesn't inspire ambition to conquer the world, but rather a profound desire for healing, release, and the unadulterated joy of life.

ARCHIHOPE, adept at amplifying a project's "gravitational force" through urban IP, meticulously considered market logic, environmental exclusivity, and acceptance in crafting MUUUR's external image. The result is a striking building facade of perforated plates, a special-shaped skin that, as night descends, appears to tear open a mysterious passage.

Guests enter through this dramatic opening, stepping into an interior where LED lights, heavy metal facades, and seemingly unreachable red staircases intertwine. A narrow passage leads to the discovery of the jungle's mountain stairs, a deliberate design choice that heightens anticipation with each unfolding step. Hihope Zhu, founder of ARCHIHOPE, envisions MUUUR as "a utopia-like jungle paradise, where entering is a journey of changing landscapes. Within the internal space's passages, we've crafted a unique primal atmosphere with storms, thunder, scorching sun, uphill and downhill paths, akin to navigating the streets and alleys of Chongqing through all four seasons." This immersive journey culminates in a sudden revelation at the end of the narrow passage.

The acoustic space, the very essence of MUUUR, was meticulously designed with inspiration from renowned British sound engineer Alex Boyesen. ARCHIHOPE's team considered every detail, from the overall shape of the space to sound-absorbing materials and audience seating. The "mountain city" concept ultimately guided the design of the entire space, its circulation, and its structure, ensuring an unparalleled auditory experience.

Words: Sphere Editorial
Photos: Wu Jianquan
Published on October 24, 2025