I am a big fan of cool, minimalist coffee shops though I will admit to them not always being the easiest places in which to sit and write journal pieces. My taste covers sleek, glossy and all white, ‘Tadao Ando style’ bare concrete (sadly few of these have the accompanying ‘Tadao Ando style’ volumes or skilful play of natural light), or moody and industrial (even if I know that exposed ducts are just a handy cost saving exercise). They don’t stretch to the faux-authentic craft vibe of patinated leather chairs and ‘aged’ woods that has been adopted by most of the large corporate chain coffee shops. I guess it will remain until the next look comes along – but artisanal it really isn’t.
Green and eco-friendly was part of the brief for this design for Seesaw Coffee and it is the greenest of the designs Nota Architects have done for Seesaw. It’s location on the top floor of a Beijing shopping mall, however, maybe doesn’t quite match the design ideals.
The concept was for a boutique coffee shop that was independent from the adjacent bookstore but fully integrated in terms of ambience to provide an experiential destination for Beijing’s urban Gen Zs. It’s not white and sleek, or industrial, or artisanal but it is very much the destination – well it was when it opened in 2018.
A meandering stone pathway cuts through a Japanese style, mossy, mist covered landscape strewn with rocks and raked gravel leading to a wooden ‘ships deck’. Stepping down from the bookstore the sunken garden and layered seating are slowly revealed along the winding path to the deck where a small, open hut with a black roof and mirrored sides, provides a place for staff to prepare food and drinks. Cherry blossom branches hang above the cafe and complete the zen like atmosphere. The mist, created by misting devices, to maintain the mossy landscape, and smoke machines, represents the water surrounding the ‘ship.’
As the idea of an ethereal garden space developed it was decided to retain the existing split-level layout making it easier to surround the single path with stepped wooden seating blocks and planters. The wooden blocks are customised as variable-height seat backs and dividers with the seating arranged to provide a mix of seclusion, people watching and contemplation – in itself a huge improvement compared to the average coffee shop.
A wall of glass running down the length of the cafe faces an outdoor terrace creating a feeling of space and providing sweeping views of a city not quite as green and serene as the garden refuge in which you are enjoying your espresso.
The scale, density, orientation, light and varied seating layout all work to provide a relaxing and immersive experience in the heart of a chaotic city.
