Celebrating coffee?s intangible pleasures, Alberto Caiola translates coffee?s aromatic vapors into a sculptural ceiling that is the centrepiece for this café in Shanghai. Gently sloping away from the counter, the striking installation becomes at once canopy and stage for baristas to perform their art.

© Dirk Weiblen

Architects: Alberto Caiola

Location: Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: Dirk Weiblen

© Dirk Weiblen

From the architect. Celebrating coffee?s intangible pleasures, Alberto Caiola translates coffee?s aromatic vapors into a sculptural ceiling that is the centrepiece for this café in Shanghai. Gently sloping away from the counter, the striking installation becomes at once canopy and stage for baristas to perform their art.
© Dirk Weiblen

Rich and dark in color, the ceiling?s ?fumes? evoke the depth of the drink itself, winding up and beyond the venue?s glass façade. Lending a sense of movement to the entire space, the installation creates a partially covered area for attractive outdoor seating in warmer weather.

Plan

An eye-catching wall installation comprises an explosion of iconic Moka coffee pots in various sizes. Their presence is intensified by a large mirror spanning the space, amplifying the objects to a kind of love letter to Italy?s signature brew.
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