Designed by FANAF, Nanxiucun is a bustling and vivacious melting pot for young Nanjing intellectuals with interests in literature, art, and design. The popularity of the area can be attributed to its proximity to the renowned Nanjing University, the recent growth of foreign students and the increasing status of western and international influences. The creative district is synonymous with self-expression and inclusivity – it is common to hear exchanges of both ?hellos? and ?Ni Haos?.
Photography: Jin Weijian
The camaraderie and vibrant atmosphere extend to the welcoming design of the cafe, which retains its charm being nestled in a 1980s heritage apartment building. In its seamless fusion of both vintage and modern materials and design aesthetics, Pause encapsulates the wisdom of an old city soul while also intermingling with emerging creative cultures. The result is an enchanting hotspot providing ample room for customers old and new to wander in conversations filled with endless ideas and visual dreams.
FANAF?s architects are long-time regular customers of Pause, and also designed the renovated cafe. Drawing from their familiarity with the area, FANAF decided to use contradictory concepts – modern and traditional – to represent the multicultural and multifaceted nature of the district.
Photography: Jin Weijian
The design utilized neutral-colored bamboo and black steel as the two main materials. Traditional bamboo was mainly used for the horizontal eleme...