Breezy, pergola-inspired pit stop. Cafe Chez L’Ami was a remodel of a well-established outdoor cafe in downtown Shanghai. The scope of work involved redesigning the dining/lounge areas and kitchen. Our client stressed the need to provide a good solution for an overhead canopy to improve on their existing table umbrellas, and fix their circulation to establish clearer entrances. Our response was to create an open structure of four C-shaped wood members, where brightly lit signage could announce each entrance. And above, a clear, white canopy — folded like origami and made of twin-walled polypropylene — could sit on top. This material was chosen for its lightness, translucency, and foldability. Project area: 506sqm. 2012.