breezy, pergola-inspired pit stop

Cafe Chez L’Ami was the remodel of a well-established outdoor cafe in downtown Shanghai.  It was the first project commissioned by our client, ShenGang F&B Management Group, from Hong Kong (see related work — Sticky Rice Restaurant). The scope of work involved redesigning the dining/lounge areas and kitchen.  Our client emphasized 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 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, easy maintenance, and foldability.

Project area: 5450 sf.  2012.