The interior design of 21cake Baoshan Jingwei Hui store, located in Shanghai, China, was inspired by the ‘big dining halls’ and ‘big dining tables’ prevalent in China during the 1950s to 1970s. This project, designed by Very Architects, aims to transform a bakery into a community hub, with the potential to be replicated in future branches. The heart of the store is a large bean-shaped dining table, comprised of ten puzzle-like smaller tables that can be rearranged to accommodate different needs. Recognizing the diverse needs of the local community, the architects designed the large table to cater to both individual and group gatherings. During the morning, the smaller tables can be used for solo breakfast, while in the afternoon and evening, the large table can be utilized for gatherings of all sizes, from small baking classes to birthday celebrations. The large table can also serve as a display platform for bread and cakes. The design team incorporated a copper strip pattern into the terrazzo flooring beneath the large table, serving as a visual guide for its assembly. The lighting fixtures above the table are adjustable, allowing for flexibility depending on the configuration of the table. The design also incorporates a series of innovative trolleys, drawing inspiration from the traditional Cantonese dim sum service. These trolleys can be used by staff to serve customers at their tables or to showcase and provide samples of fresh products at the entrance and other locations within the store. The trolleys, crafted from bent wood, come in three different styles, designed to display bread, cakes, or ice cream. Overall, the space was designed with a warm, inviting, and homelike atmosphere for the community. Materials like terrazzo, wood veneer, and rough-textured paint create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance. The store’s design is a testament to the team’s ability to create a community-focused space that celebrates the shared experience of food and gathering.
Project Information:
Client: Shanghai 21cake Food Co., Ltd.
Location: Shanghai, Baoshan Jingwei Hui
Type: Interior Design
Lead Architect: Zhang Yonghe, Lu Lijia
Project Team: Li Qiyou, Zhang Min, Li Shuai
Collaboration on Development and Production of Bean Table and Trolley: Qumei Home Furnishings
Design Collaboration: Beijing China Construction Hengji Engineering Design Co., Ltd.
Design Area: 167m2
Completion Date: August 2020
