EAU 66

Liu Guowei

Atelier A | EAU CAFE : Reinterpreting Classical Aesthetics

• Architects

Atelier A | EAU CAFE : Reinterpreting Classical Aesthetics

Atelier A's latest project, located at Shanghai Plaza 66, features a brand-new concept called EAU CAFÉ, which seamlessly blends baking with casual dining.

Atelier A has helped EAU break away from the traditional format and design conventions of street-side shops. By reinterpreting classical design elements to meet modern commercial needs, the firm has crafted a baking and casual dining space within the upscale mall that combines French vintage charm with a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.

DESIGN STYLE
Atelier A breaks away from traditional minimalist styles, deconstructing the symmetrical principles of classical design and reinterpreting vintage aesthetics to create a spatial form that seamlessly blends classical beauty with modern functionality.

The primary color palette features a soft, creamy natural wood tone, visually evoking French romance and tenderness. The walls of the baking area are clad in custom blue glazed handmade tiles and red bricks, creating a subtle complementary color effect that echoes the kitchen space behind.

Plaster moldings, carved solid wood elements, and red copper are interwoven throughout. The interplay of material textures and colors imbues the space with both a vintage charm and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

SPACE PLANNING
Space is designed for the experience. In terms of functional layout, we have created a tailored design based on the core needs of a bakery. The glass partition at the front counter creates an open bread display area, while the hot kitchen window showcases the baking process, enhancing the overall baking experience. The seating area is divided into two sections by two sets of sofas. The left-hand side, situated against the wall, offers a private and tranquil atmosphere, with a long sofa along the wall perfect for small gatherings and casual conversation. The open area on the right, connected to the service counter, improves convenience for customers. Circular sofas paired with dining tables create a more spacious feel and maximize space utilization.

The storefront and lighting design strike a balance between the mall’s aesthetic requirements and the spatial ambiance. The storefront features a dry-hung terrazzo finish that mimics the texture of classical stone, harmonizing with the mall’s overall style. We also reduced the storefront height to 2.2 meters to cleverly accommodate overhead fire-rated rolling shutters, air conditioning units, and other equipment, achieving a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The lighting system employs a combination of spotlights and spherical pendant lights. Spotlights are focused on the dining tables to meet dining needs, while numerous spherical pendant lights provide general ambient lighting. This not only brightens the overall environment but also creates a visual focal point in the middle of the irregularly shaped space, enhancing the sense of depth.

DESIGN OF DETAILS

The ingenious design of the ceilings and walls was key to transforming the mall’s space. To address the issue of the mall’s ceiling spotlights and smoke detectors appearing out of place, we selected classical floral patterns for asymmetrical decoration. By using circles of varying sizes arranged in a staggered pattern, we minimized the visual presence of the equipment while balancing aesthetics with functionality. The original space featured slanted walls and an irregular layout. To address this, we employed plaster moldings to create visual divisions, which not only broke up the monotony of the large wall surfaces but also cleverly mitigated the issue of the space’s irregularity. At the same time, we revived classic wooden decorative elements such as beam brackets to enrich the spatial layers, providing focal points for customers’ eyes and showcasing the classical beauty hidden in the details.