Located on the rooftop of the IAPM mall in the heart of Shanghai, The Cut Rooftop Bar offers a stunning view of the city skyline and Xiangyang Park — but designing sound comfort in an open-air lounge surrounded by residences and glass towers comes with its own set of challenges.
In 2017, during a full renovation led by interior architects Fang d’Anterroches and Margaux Lhermitte, the goal was to make the space both elegant and functional. The venue includes distinct zones — lounge seating, dance floor, VIP areas and private alcoves — each with specific sound needs.
Additionally, as a go-to venue for top DJs and night-time events, the acoustic environment needed to deliver high-quality sound while also limiting sound spillover to neighboring buildings.
Our team at Delhom Acoustics worked closely with the interior designers to develop a tailored acoustic strategy across all areas of the bar. The key focuses were:
- Precise control of reverberation time for each space depending on its use (music, conversation, ambiance)
- Ensuring excellent sound clarity and balance for live DJ performances
- Discreet integration of acoustic materials that aligned with the aesthetic vision
- Noise containment to prevent disturbances to surrounding residences and commercial areas
The result is a visually stunning, acoustically optimized venue that elevates both ambiance and performance. From the immersive DJ sound experience on the dance floor to the relaxed and clear conversations in lounge and VIP areas, every part of the bar benefits from finely tuned acoustics.
The Cut Rooftop Bar has been recognized as one of the top nightlife spots in the city — even featured in the Louis Vuitton Guide 2019 — and continues to offer its guests unforgettable evenings with world-class sound quality.
