Architectural firm dongqi Architects designed C. F. Cafè, a 288 sqm bakery cafè in Changzhou, China, based on the concept of an open market space where people can move and meet in a fizzy and dynamic atmosphere. Three main areas, including juice bar, coffee bar and bakery, divide the space creating a sinuous path in the middle, where wooden tables and seating areas are placed. Made of two interlocking, ring-shaped blocks, one in stainless steel and the other in terrazzo finished with exposed aggregate, the counters suggest a connection to earth and primitive shapes; the way they are connected to the floor and soflty moulded, emphasizes this feeling. The whole interior is filled with different finishes creating material transitions, smooth and rough tactile sensations over the counters, the round benches and the walls. Curved brigth caps over the bars, recalling the counter’s material, highlight the terrazzo areas below and the metalic countertop. A hidden door, a sink in a small niche carved in the wall and a visible kitchen complete the space.
Material transitions and primitive shapes in a cafè in China
C. F. Cafè in Changzhou by dongqi Architects has three different counters made of terrazzo and stainless steel, finished by fine craftmanship.
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- Francesca Grillo
- 07 August 2019
- Changzhou
- dongqi Architects
- 288 sqm
- Cafè
- 2018