Basic Coffee in Beijing by Office AIO.

Set within a co-working hub in Beijing’s newly gentrified commercial hub of XianYuKou, Basic Coffee occupies a 30sqm corner lot in a restored historic building. Office AIO aimed to direct focus to the enjoyment of, rather than the making of, coffee. The café layout is determined by sensory experiences, as opposed to attention being drawn to fancy coffee equipment or a showman barista.

The design plays on light and obscurity, establishing framed and orchestrated views into the café. A concentric sequence revolves around a concealed coffee making area, wrapped by a perforated aluminium screen. The screen creates vignettes through which patrons have select views of the café interior. Around this, a curved bar is lined with cushioned stool seats. Coffee orders are taken at a junction between the entryway and a large street-facing window.

“The barista is strategically positioned to serve both dine-in and takeaway customers, sculpted as an exaggerated one-point perspective scene. A fissure is created adjacent to an illuminating wall, dramatising the display of pour-over coffee preparation,” explain the Office AIO design team.

Pastel shades of pink and lilac give a dreamy, playful feel whilst keeping furniture and décor to a minimum. Pink tiles, textured walls and arched openings in complementary shades are subtle yet effective in creating a layered experience. One wall is entirely backlit, casting a rosy glow throughout the interior.

“These subtly evocative stimuli underscore Basic Coffee’s value, coffee made to savour as it is and enjoyed intimately in a delicate 30sqm of space,” said the designers.

[Images courtesy of Office AIO. Photography by Yujie Liu.]