% Arabica, a wide and narrow alley in Chengdu / Blue Architecture Studio
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the summery of project
Kuanzhai Alley was first built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty in Chengdu, China, and mainly consists of three streets northwest and southeast, which are connected by many small alleys in a criss-cross pattern. During the early stage of the Republic of China period, between the three main streets, the widest street was called “Kuan Alley” (Broad Alley), the narrow street was called “Zhai Alley” (Narrow Alley), and the street containing the well was named “Jing Alley” (Okay alley). This is how Kuanzhai Alley got its name. As a historical and cultural landmark in Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley is a famous commercial and cultural district. While Jing Alley has a relatively quiet and quiet atmosphere amidst the hustle and bustle because it only has shops on one side and a street wall on the other.
Located next to a small plaza in the center of Jing Alley, the project site is a traditional apartment building in western Sichuan. The one-entrance courtyard house originally had a main room with a patio and surrounding rooms on two sides. The south and west sides of the architecture are marked by traditional wooden storefronts, facing respectively Jing Alley and the square. Simple and elegant, the traditional architecture of gray bricks and black roof tiles reflects the memories of Chengdu. Today, many indigenous people still live around Jing Alley, helping the area maintain an authentic Chengdu lifestyle.
The design concept
With a city full of historical and cultural heritage, we have tried to integrate and expand the city’s unique characteristics in the space from the perspective of respecting the spirit of the site. The atmosphere of Kuanzhai Alley and the relaxed pace of life in Chengdu influence our design. % Arabica’s philosophy is to “see the world through coffee”, which is in line with our design philosophy. We believe that a coffee shop offers more than just a drink, and most importantly, that coffee provides opportunities for people to gather, connect and fully experience the local urban culture. We hope the café becomes a public space like a small neighborhood where people can either stroll or stay for a while and where people feel comfortable walking and connecting. By extending the alley’s vibrant living and cultural ambiance to a café, we have renovated the site to make it a dynamic public space that provides a rich and robust spatial experience. Therefore, the café space presents the brand’s unique style while embodying the spirit of the city.
spatial property
When we first visited the site, we decided to remove the glass roof in the atrium, which the previous owner had recently added, in order to help the architecture restore its original layout from three sides of the houses and an enclosed inner courtyard. In the first place, it lays the foundation for the general spatial design. Meanwhile, we also choose polishing black paint on the surface of the columns to show the original color and texture of the wood, and partly enhance the original wooden structure by combining the steel structure.
After the building returned to its original design, we transformed the entire courtyard into a simple, modern white pool. People enter from the main entrance and the calm water sits right in front of them, inviting guests to immediately get rid of the busy urban life and thus dive into a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The swimming pool is enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass railings, providing maximum natural light to the interior. Besides, the overall transparency of the space visually brings a sense of spatial fluidity.
Although the removal of the existing glass ceiling sacrificed part of the retail space, we believe that the integration of interior and exterior and the natural and flexible atmosphere of the architecture are more valuable spatial characteristics. A set of bar stools are located around the water so that guests can sit around the water patio, forming an intimate relationship with each other. While the water in front of them brings a certain sense of distance. The specific experience of seeing and being seen helps enhance the interest of public spaces. Around the pool, we designed a circular inner street with two wide sides and two narrow sides, which reflects the characteristics of Kuanzhai Alley.
The annular street floor is paved with old gray bricks that can be seen everywhere in Kuanzhai Alley, harmoniously merging with the context. Several benches, also made of gray brick, are scattered on either side of the track for people to slow down to rest. By the road at the end, we put a small semi-open room as a private sitting area. The surface of the room is handcrafted from brick: the irregular surface of the material indicates a simple and natural texture. Integrated traditional craftsmanship with architecture with a strong sense of history, they complement each other. While showcasing the original structure and traditional elements of the architecture, we tried to integrate the essence of modern urban life and the aesthetics of minimalism for the brand.
The modern bar counter area in pure white is presented opposite the entrance and the pool, arranged under a light frieze. Like a roadside store that people might encounter while strolling the streets, the bar area helps heighten the experience and feel of a street-like feel. In this space, the overall spatial experience is dynamic and human activities have become the most important component. People walk, relax and enjoy the time freely in the cafe. The vibrant scene symbolizes the re-emergence of ancient Chengdu life.
ongoing dialogue
We believe that spatial design is not only about the visual experience. The basic concept of our business is dealing with the relationship between man, nature, culture and daily life. The interior space of %Arabica Kuanzhai Alley represents a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for living in the streets and neighborhoods of Chengdu, while reflecting respect for the local culture. The renewal process is an ongoing dialogue with the site and history. It is also our advertising exploration of urban space and the fun of urban life.
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