Architecture, Interior Design, Retail DesignFlorence LJuly 04, 2023Coffee Shop, Changsha, China, Interior Design, Retail Space Design

ALGEBRAIST COFFEE || This cafe shopfront in Changsha used 3D printing and embossing to mimic flowing coffee

Architecture, Interior Design, Retail DesignFlorence LJuly 04, 2023Coffee Shop, Changsha, China, Interior Design, Retail Space Design

You can't help looking at Algebraist Coffee's 10-metre-high shopfront in Changsha.

Its dreamy exterior showcases an innovative material application. The embossed facade adopts a 3D print approach with painted sandstone carving to simulate the flow of coffee across a surface.

*The exterior facade uses innovative materials to create the look of free-flowing coffee.*

A BRAND SYMBOL PAYING HOMAGE TO THE COFFEE-MAKING PROCESS

The back-lit brand symbol is featured high above the entryway as well as in the shop window in red acrylic. The brand symbol has been in use for eight years since the inception of the brand. The logo resembles the process of various coffee-making methods, from pour-over to traditional French press and siphon coffee. This thoughtful design pays homage to the art of coffee-making and is the foundation of Algebraist Coffee's commitment to serving quality coffee.

The store coordinates appear on luminous acrylic round tubes embedded in hollow carvings of stainless steel round tubes, highlighting the exquisite, detailed design. Ultra-white tempered glass paired with a minimalist silver frame showcases the unique, quality craftsmanship of the space.

*The brand logo depicted in red acrylic in the shop window.*

*The store coordinates on stainless steel round tubes.*

MODULAR REPETITION AND SYMBOL DECONSTRUCTION

The design strategy is one of modular repetition and symbol deconstruction, where the interior space incorporates different materials, each with unique characteristics, such as a sense of warmth with wood detailing and a futuristic vibe with contrasting silver components.

*The refined dark marble bar contrasted against the wooden modular squares depicting the logo.*

A dark marble bar stretches the length of the space, and behind the counter is a 3.2 meter-high solid wood wall composed of a matrix of 80cmx80cm carved monograms adding depth to the design. The square modules echo the mathematical elements behind the Algebraist Coffee brand.

A FLUID AND AIRY SEATING AREA

Overall, the interior presents a light and airy space for guests to enjoy their coffee. The fluid pattern featured on the shopfront extends to the indoor guest seating area. The ceiling bears a similar flowing design but in white, creating a visually layered space.

An abundance of greenery, minimalist tables and steel chairs in the shape of the brand's logo complete the seating area to establish a welcoming atmosphere.