Nestled in the southern part of Columbia Circle in Shanghai, where public cultural spaces take center stage, Blue Bottle Coffee enlisted the talents of Neri&Hu to craft a café that evokes a sense of home. This design reflects the essence of living amidst the ever-evolving backdrop of the city.
Columbia Circle has a rich history, starting as a country club for expatriates in the 1920s, transforming into an industrial park in the 1950s with the addition of 11 buildings, and most recently undergoing a vibrant renovation by OMA in 2016, emerging as a celebrated mixed-use hub and a shining example of urban regeneration in Shanghai.
In her thought-provoking work, English artist Rachel Whiteread delves into the intricate relationship between architectural absence and memory. She suggests that the negative space left by a former building can serve as a poignant reminder of the ‘traces’ that connect us to our homes. Inspired by Whiteread’s concept for The Imprint at the Blue Bottle Coffee Columbia Circle Café, Neri&Hu has crafted a striking white suspended form that mimics the negative silhouette of a classic roof, as if a mold has captured the essence of a house, complete with the delicate impressions of corrugated roof drainage.
Beneath this captivating structure lies a seamless expanse of recycled clay bricks and plaster, unveiling a design whose finishes have been meticulously stripped away. This careful deconstruction reveals the subtle outlines of its footprint and the lingering traces on the surrounding facade, inviting viewers to reflect on the memories and connections that architecture can evoke.
Even in the absence of a physical structure, coffee enthusiasts might still feel a sense of protection beneath the eaves’ negative silhouette. the coffee bar and versatile platform are nestled beneath a striking white canopy. As visitors step into the Blue Bottle Coffee space through the main entrance, they are greeted with a selection of products, a line to place their orders, and a merchandise display that invites browsing through books.
Patrons can then settle onto the floor to savor their coffee. The central area is designed for multifunctionality, creating a circular flow with tables and chairs arranged around its edge. With the concept of a missing house at its heart, The Imprint by Neri&Hu encourages guests to engage as a community in the daily rituals of life, fostering opportunities for new connections and gatherings, as the studio beautifully articulates.