Situated in the historic district on Pearl River’s north bank in Guangzhou, China, Qualia Café, designed by Atelier Waterside, stands as a testament to modern innovation within a historical context.
Embracing History
Invited to design the first store for the coffee and dessert brand “观粼QUALIA,” Atelier Waterside embarked on a journey to renovate a historical tenement’s ground floor on Wei Xin Heng Lu. This road, steeped in history and named for its association with restoration and revolution, provided the perfect backdrop for the café’s unique concept.
French Dessert Inspiration
Specializing in luxury coffee and French desserts, Qualia Café’s design concept draws inspiration from the French dessert-making process. Two black boxes, meticulously positioned within the old rectangular building, mimic the cut-out sections of French desserts, offering patrons a visual and sensory journey.
Spatial Elevation
To alleviate the sense of depth at the entrance, the café rises in elevation, creating three distinct sections within the space. The newly elevated floor, separated from the original walls of the building, contrasts old and new while discreetly housing pipes and lighting fixtures.
Old Meets New
Maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, the renovation preserves the details of the old plaster and concrete structure on the ceiling. Additionally, a newly constructed loft above the entrance provides additional seating, offering guests views of the surrounding area.
Harmonious Integration
An innovative platform for the air conditioning unit extends outward from the loft, adorned with light aluminum wind-driven louvers that fluctuate with the air’s movement. This design element not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a dynamic visual element to the space, symbolizing the ebb and flow of water.
In the interplay between old and new, tradition and innovation, Qualia Café exemplifies the harmonious integration of history and modernity, creating a unique and memorable experience for patrons to savor the essence of both dessert and coffee culture.
