The idea of "environmental protection" was born not on a whim, but as a result of deep thinking in the face of resource depletion. Most commercial spaces are a compound of various resource consumption. We wanted to use more eco-friendly materials to reduce consumption and make the space more aesthetic. Through this active use of common fundamental materials, reducing construction period, rather than ending up as a lifespan of previous environmentally burdensome products, the aim is to innovate with a spatial design that is characterized by new assembling method.

The concept of the coffee brand BARISTAR is to set the stage for baristas to be the leading actors on stage. A space where baristas can meet, share and interact with coffee lovers. The highlight of this design is the creative use of galvanized square steel pipe (modularization). The same size of square steel is stacked and accumulated in the interior, through the interpolation and height change, square steel in different positions is used in various ways. The same steel block includes a table on one side and the other side can be turned into a seating area. Customers can chat, work, take their pets; a wide variety of guests, all free to choose indoors or outdoors, connecting spaces through their action, creating a place to interact more.

The café is located in the Wuhan Tiandi business district, combining environmental protection and brand identity, we chose galvanized square steel pipe, perforated bridges and other fundamental materials as the main feature for the interior. The traditional approach，the excessive use of surface decorative materials，has been reduced. The metal forms a concave and convex profile, and the shadows and reflections from the lamps create an attractive and unique space.

The highlight of this design is the creative use of galvanised square steel, the modular combination concept of square steel. As you enter the café, the space is divided by different square steel modules. The same size of square steel is stacked and accumulated in the interior, through the interpolation and height change, square steel in different positions is used in various ways. On one side are staircases and on the other side are tables and chairs, which can also be used as barista's operating tables. Customers can chat, work, take their pets; a wide variety of guests, all free to choose indoors or outdoors, connecting spaces through their action, creating a place to interact more.

The long square steel on the ceiling are arranged in groups and crossed, carrying the role of displaying products and dividing the traffic flow , as well as serving as a visual guide to another area. The self-leveling on the floor reflects the silver lustre, making the whole space more uniform and coordinated.

Following the staircase, one enters another area which is also built using the same materials. Galvanised square steel modules are tied into larger masses with straps, one horizontal and one vertical, occupying the visual focus of the space. The transformed combination of bridges, cross arms and fluorescent tubes on the ceiling are the main protagonists of the ceiling and are essential contributors to the atmosphere of the entire space. To the left, a bar is set up, with glass separating two sides, one for the guests and one for the barista. The direct exposure of the keel on the ceiling of the bar supports the structure of the space and sets up the track lighting.

Our project embodies a degree of inclusivity and altruism, mainly in the outdoor space, bordering the area of the outreach section with the community, which provides resting spaces for the people to rest and chill out. It can also enhance brand promotion.

The design is in accord with the green and low-carbon environmental protection concept, mainly reflected in the direct use of basic building materials, reducing the traditional use of surface decoration, reflecting the material propriety characteristics of the structure in the space to a greater extent, amplifying its material aesthetics, hoping to make society pay attention to the basic materials, rather than the extensive use of some non-reusable and highly consumable materials. Secondly, the square steel, bridges and glass used in the space can be recycled. The interior design is an expression of the design philosophy we have always embraced: we want to convey  the values of environmental protection and aesthetics through space design, creating a place that is both people-oriented and aesthetically pleasing, giving the people a special experience and feeling.

Project name:BARISTAR cafe

Project type: interior

Design: odd (okamoto deguchi design)

Leader designer & Team: Tsutomu Deguchi,Keizo Okamoto, Heng Li，Junwei Di，Yuan Fang, Bei Ye

Contact e-mail: [email protected]

Completion Year: 2023 Jan

Project location: Wuhan

Gross built area:185 ㎡

Photo credit: Ruijing Photo —Misae Hiromatsu\Song Yuming

odd (okamoto deguchi design)

Materials: Galvanised square steel, Perforated bridges, Corrugated steel sheets, Self-leveling, Stainless steel, Metal buckles, light tubes