Living in modern-day Shanghai often feels like chasing a utopian dream—unrealistic, yet undeniably beautiful. Dreams represent humanity’s most innocent and purest source of motivation, buried deep within our consciousness. Yet, for survival, people find themselves repeating the same routines day after day. Despite the diversity of occupations, the ultimate pursuit is remarkably similar: *happiness*—happiness in food, family, life, and simply in being alive.
721 Happiness Ranch, located in Pudong, Shanghai, is a young yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) brand founded in 2012. Drawing on the brand’s core concept of a “happiness ranch,” the Golucci design team envisioned a place dedicated to producing “happiness.” The goal was to create a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle and bustle. With a fresh and rustic ranch aesthetic, the design invites diners to gaze out through large windows at the lively city beyond, encouraging quiet introspection. It offers a space where people can reflect on their lives and the diverse ways in which individuals long for and envision happiness.
Design Director Lee Hsuheng believes that in contemporary restaurant design, psychological comfort should take precedence over purely physiological needs. Especially in a thriving metropolis, dining is no longer merely an act of nourishment but a psychological experience. When mealtime arrives, people seek not just good food but also a space where their body and mind can fully relax. In this way, a satisfying meal becomes an experience of true happiness.