Yijian Cafe | Golucci Interior Architects

Think of an easy thing, then find different ways to approach the simplicity. Use the limited space to accommodate the complex emotions of the simplicity, and let the space give you a special meaning during the emotional interaction .

This is not just a cafe with an atmosphere, this is a multi-functional space that allows people to communicate and interact, which can meet the needs for small-scale performances, salons, exhibitions, conferences and co working.

Yijian Cafe is a coffee brand owned by China NetEase. The cafe is located on the ground floor of the NetEase Headquarters Building in Beijing, above the sunken plaza of the building. Due to the openness of the space, the sun shines through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, even in the cold winter, it is warm.

There are two doors in the space that are important passages which can be used for other spaces, and the plane leaves a main passage. The plane is divided into large and small rectangular areas by the channel, and partitioned according to function.

The space logical idea comes from Tai Chi yin and yang “Empty and Solid”. Surrounded by morphology, the limited space is a“Solid space”, and the other parts are “Empty spaces”. The “Empty”space is dependent on the solid space. The“Empty” space leaving the “Solid” space is meaningless; and on the contrary, without the “Empty” space, there is no place for the “Solid”space.

Based on the above concepts of “Empty and Solid” spaces, the "box" is put into place, producing different positive and negative spaces. A variety of functions could be met, such as a bar area, multi-functional area, deck seating areas, etc. The different opening directions and scales of the box present an interesting contrast and rhythm: privacy and openness, reality and emptiness, darkness and lightness- conveying different spatial emotions. When people are active inside, the relationship between space and people, and the relationship between people become closer and more interesting, and at the same time gain an immersive experience within the space.

Project Name : Yijian Cafe     

Design Firm : Golucci Interior Architects

Chief Designer : LEE Hsuheng

Project Design Team : Xu Jiaojiao, Zhang Xiaohuan

Lighting :  SIKI Lighting                                                                                                                     

Location : Beijing, China

Built area: 790 M2

Completion date :  Feb. 2020

Photographer: Lulu Xi

Text : Golucci Interior Architects