The main materials were strictly chosen to explore the possibility of different form and various functions represented by the same material in this project and for the performance of the natural light; only stainless steel, black painted metal, cement, and resin synthetic artificial stone.
Description of project by Daylab
ITAFE is located in the small town of Yiwu, the world small commodity distribution center. It is an afternoon tea cafe that sells tea, coffee and bread, but provides a new way of life for Yiwu Town. The project uses avant-garde and experimental design styles to create topics. The open gesture embraces the street corner, activates the entire neighborhood, and brings new vitality to Yiwu, a small town with a lack of lifestyle.
Designed to follow the ITAFE spirit of light your life, the keyword Light has two meanings, one means bright, bright and light; one means slim and light. A major feature of the design is the openable sliding door of the façade. The outdoor seating area is not only for customers to enjoy the outdoor sunny air, but also provides a place for the elderly and surrounding residents to rest.
In addition, it pays attention to the performance of light and shadow in the selection of materials, and strives to form a dialogue with natural light. The main materials used in the whole project are only stainless steel, black painted metal, cement, and resin synthetic artificial stone.
Although there are few categories, the design fully exploits the different presentations of the same material at different functional locations and presents an overall lightweight visual effect. In addition, the design uses an electronic display screen, a medium that is not common in cafe design, to highlight the interactive attitude that ITAFE is trying to bring to Yiwu people's new life.
ITAFE's design embraces both business success and social value in terms of function; commercial life positioning makes up for the aesthetic taste and life philosophy of the current Yiwu people. Since its opening, it has become a well-known shop in Yiwu.
