RSAA/Zhuang Ziyu Studio partnered with Nestlé China to create the Beijing Nestlé (BIM Training) CAFÉ, designed by Ogilvy Beijing. This limited-time project will be open from April 27th to May 5th at 27 Neifu Street. It aims to offer a fresh interpretation of the coffee experience alongside traditional Beijing courtyard culture.
Here, the designers reimagine the cityscape of Beijing. The quadrangle courtyard serves as a spatial metaphor for the city itself, where urban flow navigates through reconfigured chambers and a series of soft, inviting spaces within the courtyard. This design breaks down the traditional boundaries of the city.
▲ Concept generation analysis
The design challenges the traditional boundaries found in ancient cities. Visitors are invited to wander through city streets and explore a series of spaces where ancient impressions blend seamlessly with modern perceptions. Much like coffee offers layers of experience, these spaces encourage an ongoing dialogue with the city through the medium of drinks.
▲ Plan view
▲ Dynamic demonstration of project model
Integrating contemporary spatial elements into traditional Chinese courtyards is a complex challenge. The form of these courtyards, whether considering structural relationships, architectural form, or their expandable nature, is inherently limited.
Between the square courtyards, flowing intentions create cavities and a series of soft spaces through metal curtains. These spaces repeatedly intersect with the quadrangle courtyard, inviting visitors to engage in a dialogue between the city and coffee, experiencing both the history and future of Beijing.
▲ Schematic diagram of project structure composition
For this renovation, a “soft intervention” method was employed to weave a contemporary image and spatial prototype into the traditional courtyard. This creates an overlay that connects the virtual space with the tangible relationship of the traditional courtyard, offering a fresh way to perceive and experience the space.
▲ Sectional view
▲ Sectional view
▲ Project Model
Project Information:
Architectural firm: RSAA/Zhuang Ziyu Studio
Location: Beijing, China
Category: Renovation Project
Project Leads: Zhuang Ziyu, Li Na
Architectural Design: Fabian Wieser, Xing Mengzhao
Building Area: 530.0 square meters
Year Completed: 2019
Photographer: Su Shengliang
Interior Design: Zhao Xin, Wang Xinru, Cai Wei, Ding Zhuliang
Graphic Design: Ogilvy Beijing
Lighting Consultant: Shangzhuxian (Beijing) Lighting Art Design Co., Ltd
Structural Consultant: Sun Qiguo
Construction: Beijing Jiemei Tiancheng Cultural Communication Co., Ltd
Owner: Nestlé (China) Co., Ltd
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