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Nestled within the historic landscape of Zhang Yuan, Shanghai’s renowned garden turned public and commercial space, Blue Bottle Zhang Yuan Cafe stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant contemporary culture. Commissioned by Blue Bottle, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office embarked on a journey to infuse the old with the new, creating a unique retail space within one of the traditional Shikumen residences.

Bridging Past and Present

As Zhang Yuan reopens its doors to the public following extensive restoration, Blue Bottle seeks to initiate a dialogue between Shanghai’s storied past and its bustling present. Against the backdrop of architectural relics and shadowy lanes, the cafe emerges as a beacon of modernity, inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a narrative journey through time.

Preserving Heritage

Adhering to strict historic preservation guidelines, Neri&Hu opted to retain the original brick walls, doors, and windows, seamlessly integrating them into the cafe’s design. A primitive shelter, symbolizing the essence of architecture, takes center stage, serving as both a visual focal point and a hub for coffee preparation and service. An elongated alley-like space connects the main street to the atriums, paying homage to the leisurely social moments of traditional Shikumen life.

Blending Tradition with Innovation

To complement the weighty presence of the existing architecture, Neri&Hu meticulously crafted lightweight design elements using brushed stainless steel and perforated bent steel for the roof structure and surface, respectively. Drawing inspiration from the informal extensions of private spaces into the alley, structural columns are repurposed as multifunctional elements, serving as light rails, side tables, and benches. The interior features a curated selection of repurposed traditional furniture, bridging the gap between old and new, tradition and innovation.

In essence, the Blue Bottle Zhang Yuan Cafe serves as a harmonious fusion of history and modernity, paying homage to Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage while embracing the dynamism of contemporary urban life.

Designed to accommodate a couple, their two children, and their beloved cats, the Bay Window Tower House is a unique blend of residence and office space situated on a compact urban lot. This architectural marvel boasts bay windows on all sides, inspired by diverse global interpretations of these architectural elements, ranging from light sources to functional furniture pieces.

Bay Windows: A Multifaceted Design Element

Incorporating bay windows on every floor and side of the building, the architects aimed to offer residents a plethora of choices for their daily activities. These windows serve as versatile spaces for relaxation, work, sleep, and leisure, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of daily life within the tower.

Fostering Community Harmony

One of the key challenges addressed in the design process was fostering a positive relationship between the tower and its neighboring single-family houses. To mitigate the risk of overshadowing neighboring windows and creating a sense of enclosure, the architects strategically sliced off the corners of the building. This innovative approach not only created garden pockets for residents but also expanded the visual space for neighboring properties, effectively turning them into virtual bay windows.

Harnessing Feng Shui and Environmental Considerations

The octagonal footprint resulting from slicing off the corners aligns with principles of feng shui, symbolizing luck and harmony. Moreover, this shape minimizes airflow turbulence around the building, enhancing environmental sustainability. To optimize natural ventilation and lighting, the architects deployed three types of bay windows: transparent windows for light, openable windows for ventilation, and fixed windows for insulation. These windows are strategically positioned to maximize their efficacy in regulating light, heat, and airflow.

Sustainable Solutions for Climate Control

In response to seasonal variations in temperature and heat load, the exterior of the tower is clad in carbonized cork—a lightweight, highly insulating, and eco-friendly material. This innovative solution not only enhances thermal insulation but also contributes to the tower’s aesthetic appeal.

Dynamic Living Spaces

The Bay Window Tower House offers a dynamic living environment, where residents can seamlessly transition between different spaces based on seasonal variations, time of day, and personal preferences. Guided by the behavior of their feline companions, the family finds solace in areas bathed in sunlight, tempered by gentle breezes, and tailored to their needs.

In essence, the Bay Window Tower House stands as a testament to Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji Architecture’s ingenuity and commitment to creating harmonious, sustainable living spaces that foster community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Located in the bustling district of Vasastan, Stockholm, Banacado Café unveiled its vibrant ambiance earlier this summer, courtesy of ASKA architects. Spanning a modest 70 m2, the café underwent a metamorphosis into a captivating dreamscape, embodying a fusion of tropical allure and cinematic nostalgia.

Embracing Exoticism: A Visual Odyssey

Step inside Banacado Café, and you’re immediately engulfed in a luminous aura, evoking an exotic atmosphere reminiscent of distant shores. The interplay of light and color seamlessly integrates with the café’s vibrant culinary offerings. Drawing inspiration from Cuba’s aesthetic charm, ASKA infuses the space with elements like shelving idioms, arches, and a painted checkerboard floor, transporting patrons to sun-kissed locales.

A Timeless Reverie: Nostalgic Delights

Banacado Café exudes an air of timeless elegance, akin to a scene from a classic film captured through a sepia lens. Vintage nuances permeate the space, with LP players and polaroid walls evoking a bygone era, inviting patrons to linger and savor the moment. ASKA’s cinematic influences infuse the café with a surreal, dreamlike quality, elevating the dining experience to an art form.

Artistic Flourishes: Craftsmanship and Creativity

The café’s charm lies in its meticulous attention to detail, where artistry converges with functionality. Hand-blown lamps by glass artist Ulla Gustafson add a whimsical touch, reminiscent of candy wrappers, while impressionist motifs by painter Carl Palmé imbue the space with poetic allure. ASKA’s multidisciplinary approach shines through, with bespoke design pieces and curated artwork enhancing the café’s distinct personality.

A Bold Statement: Striving for International Flair

Banacado Café boldly redefines Stockholm’s culinary landscape with its cosmopolitan flair and avant-garde aesthetic. Luxurious touches, such as form-cut mirrors and premium materials like terrazzo and stainless steel, elevate the café’s ambiance, reflecting a global sensibility akin to metropolitan hubs like London and New York.

Crafting a Vision: Attention to Detail

ASKA’s vision extends beyond architectural transformation, encompassing graphic design, furniture crafting, and branding. From bespoke tables featuring ochre tiles to integrated cutlery holders, every element is meticulously curated to harmonize with the café’s overarching aesthetic, culminating in a sensory journey that transcends mere dining.

In essence, Banacado Café emerges as a testament to ASKA’s ingenuity and artistic vision, offering patrons an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. With its eclectic blend of tropical exuberance and cinematic nostalgia, the café beckons visitors to embark on a culinary odyssey unlike any other.