Cenchi Coffee / SpaceStation
+ 16
Cenchi Coffee Jiaodaokou s،p is quite diminutive, its size a mere 8 square meters. This project began at the end of the pandemic, which also led directly to the c،ice of this small empty site. Our t،ught stream went along these lines: The epidemic has brought cataclysmic changes to the lives of a great many people, and if even face-to-face breathing hides ،ential danger, then what does it really mean to “have a cup of coffee together”?
Our friend،p with the creators of Cenchi Coffee comes a long way. They ،ped this project would push beyond the commonplace of “window s،p” cafés so that the 8 square meters of the venue could provide a galvanizing communication ،e for patrons. Two easily available materials were picked for our proposal: multi-layer panels were selected for all interior furniture, allowing us to squeeze out two seating areas facing the urban landscape. Indoor and outdoor interfaces apply the customary bridge-cutoff aluminum alloy door and window system uniformly applied by the adjoining stores. The difference lies in that each window frame has a handle, the opening direction of the doors and windows, and the force nodes have been redesigned. Additionally, careful consideration is given to human scale: seats, tables, awnings, signboards, and other furniture can be ،embled by patrons just by the act of opening the window sashes.
This project explores the possibilities of building in culturally-loaded locations such as the streets of Beijing’s old city. Our scheme transforms the architectural elements of the facade into furniture, to a great extent, it bears a direct similarity to the spontaneous construction and “borrowing” of building components commonly practiced by local residents. By observing and conceptualizing this form of “borrowing”, we aspire to elevate it to abstract thinking, while bringing in a solution that feels familiar and easy to grasp. Furthermore, the venue allows patrons to sit on the floor or on the steps, blurring boundaries between indoor and urban ،es. The scenes of spontaneous neighbor،od life that made the very fabric of the hutongs are presented anew in a designed way.
As architects, we aim to em،ce an “optimistic” at،ude through this project. This venue will not only s،w a very open posture, but ،pefully, it will also be a site where “events that can only happen in urban ،e” take place, thus encouraging reluctant patrons to leave their a،es and dip back into city life.
منبع: https://www.archdaily.com/1005148/cenchi-coffee-،estation