As the bistro located in an international community of CBD Beijing, we redefine the project as the living room for the community that opens to all. The core concept is “agora” (a typological space in ancient Greek where public life and social activities happened). We aim to make such a place more than only enjoying foods and drinks, where exchange in opinions, stories and experiences could also happen. The most important strategy is to replace the fixed glass façade by 10 panels of bi-folding doors, which connecting the inside and outside freely. When the doors are open, the boundary is blurred, people seating inside also could enjoy the breeze and sunlight directly. The small green hill in front of the bistro becomes a part of the inner space.
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Silver 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2025
THE PLACE(Bistro)
Hospitality Interior (Built)
Firm
SHUYAN design
Architect/Designer
Shuyan Wan
Design Team
Jinxiong Wang, Shuo Yang, Zheng Zhang, Min Chen, Ai Chen
Location
Beijing, China
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©UK Studio
Website
N/A
Instagram
N/A
Facebook
N/A
Whatsapp
N/A
New Feature
We establish the spatial order by inserting a set of unidirectional arches. The vertical part of the arches rest against the dividing wall between the dining area and the kitchen, expanding towards the outside. They imply the direction where natural light comes from into the interior. By arranging arches in a row, they visualize the spatial momentum. They guide people’s sights towards the green hill, and establish an interaction between in and out.
Terrestrial Vessel We place the bar counter around the center of the bistro, both as a spatial installation and a functioned stage for the bartender. The countertop is made of a whole piece of mirrored Nero Oriental marble, and the bar wall is covered by oxidized brass corrugated panels. “It’s backing against the wall and facing outside, resembling a cruise ship about to depart for a long voyage;” described by the owner of the bistro. Through architectural gesture of hospitality, the space successfully transformed into the beloved living room for the community.
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