This is a coffee shop in Shanghai. It transforms a scenario from the film “Nostalgia” of Andrei Tarkovsky into a physical space. In the scene where the actor Andrei is traversing a dilapidated interior with Dominic, the dripping ceiling, and the sound of water splashing upon the glassware create an appealing ambience, which serves as a conceptual prototype of this project.
As the primary material, the green glass is defining spaces and circulation by arrayed seats leaning against it. The physical exterior wall, alternating with the glass, outlines the spatial order. The windows provide a view of the interior for those outside, while the guests inside have a vantage point to observe the exterior surroundings.
The ceiling and floor are both black to vanish from the space. The lighting on the tables defines the spaces in a striking manner, creating a rhythm through the alternation of glass barriers.