Celebrating coffee’s alluring pleasures, Alberto Caiola puts a sculptural ceiling reminiscent of the elixir’s aromatic vapours at the centre of his design for a cafe in Shanghai. Flowing from the back of the room, the installation becomes at once a canopy and a stage under which baristas can perform their craft. Rich and dark in colour, the ceiling’s form winds forwards, up and beyond the venue’s retractable glass facade, providing a partially covered area for seating on the street.

Along one wall of the interior, an eye-catching display features an explosion of iconic Moka coffee pots in various sizes – intensified by a large mirror spanning the length of the space – which is a testament to the cafe’s love for the signature brew. To create an illusion of a larger space, furniture is finished with a reflective surface.

The design approach sees fittings effectively blend into the surroundings, while offering alternative vistas to guests both standing and seated. A stark combination of textures creates an interesting contrast, with sleek new elements positioned against exposed brick walls. This aspect brings a historical element to the space; the building’s shikumen bricks are part of a traditional, turn-of-the-century housing style typical of Shanghai.

Design: Alberto Caiola
Photography: Dirk Weiblen

http://www.frameweb.com/news/alberto-caiola-sculpts-the-essence-of-coffee-in-a-shanghai-cafe