The design of Cafe Chez W, Nanjing aims to create a unique atmosphere by integrating new and old materials and utilizing the characteristics of the site. Due to the open and transparent nature of the site, the originally envisioned inward-facing space is no longer suitable for this location, making it difficult to replicate the enveloping feel of the Cafe Chez W, Shanghai. Therefore, the plan adopts a more "outward" layout to enhance the connection between the interior and exterior. The bar operation area is positioned at the heart of the square layout, featuring a U-shaped counter that enables bar service to reach every corner of the café.
Additionally, the surrounding areas are thoughtfully proportioned, offering a variety of seating arrangements that encircle the bar. A café should not only meet functional and aesthetic needs but also serve as a relatively inclusive and open "container" that absorbs traces of use, maintains a certain degree of flexibility, and supports the operator's self-expression. Thus, instead of focusing on specific scenes or corners, the design strategy emphasizes creating a set of construction methods that match the site's atmosphere, forming an efficient and autonomous system.
To alleviate the tension and repetitiveness of a too-regular layout and to balance the visual impact of an undecorated ceiling, vertical elements—"columns"—were introduced. We aim to disrupt the spatial order with several wooden columns, which support some steel beams. These steel beams are placed along the boundaries of different areas, providing possibilities for later use, such as hanging posters, objects, or adding curtains. The benches along the wall, the seating by the river, and the shelves on the walls use the same size of movable wooden boards, making it easy to replace them according to future needs. Cafe Chez W, Nanjing primarily uses wood as the main material for its interiors.
Different types of wood have their unique characteristics. Cedar has stable anti-corrosion and compression properties, commonly used in the structural components of ancient buildings and often found in the reclaimed wood market. After a selection process, suitable old cedar is used in the café for columns. Lauan wood has a beautiful cut texture and excellent physical properties, making it ideal for stools, tables, shelves, and other movable furniture. These pieces are fixed in size and interchangeable, providing convenience for production and later use.
Hemlock wood has clear and attractive grain, and old hemlock, in particular, displays warm and vintage patterns, used for bar and cabinet decorative side panels in the plan. Elm is used for the countertops. Prioritizing various types of wood, the plan aims to introduce more materials to complement the wood, generating more possibilities. Materials with different origins and life cycles find their places, combined logically to create an accurate atmosphere, which is the principle of material use in this design. Following the traditional wooden column construction, granite is used as the base to keep the wood off the ground for protection.
Columns are connected by steel beams, forming an integrated structure. Weathering steel bar kickplates protect the hemlock side panels. Due to the height difference between the interior and exterior, red terracotta bricks are used for the flooring at the front and rear entrances, facilitating steps and semi-outdoor seating.
Red quarry tiles are used for the water area around the bar, making cleaning easier and subtly delineating the guest area and the operational area. Paving stones, commonly used in squares, bring an outdoor feel to the interior space. The remaining floor is self-leveling. The entrance continues the interior design language: indoor columns extend to the entrance, connected by weathering steel, which also serves as a drainage channel for the canopy, directing rainwater to one side in an organized manner.
