Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar by Kris Lin

Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar by Kris Lin is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweNdawo yangaPhakathi kunye noMboniso Competition Category.

IsilivereIngaphakathi· 2025

Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar

by Kris Lin

Client: COFCO Corporation

Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar

Book Text: Uyilo luchaza ngokutsha imida ngokudibanisa ulwakhiwo, indawo yangaphakathi, kunye nembonakalo yendalo, ludala ibhokisi yeglasi ekhanyayo ebonakala ngathi idada ngaphakathi kwesithuba. Iindlela zokulungelelanisa ezinokuguquguqulwa, iinguqu zezinto ezisetyenzisiweyo, kunye nokukhanyisa okucwangcisiweyo ngobuchule kuyayifiphaza imimandla esebenzayo, ngelixa iindonga zeglasi ezingqongqozayo zidibanisa ingaphakathi nangaphandle, zomeleza ukuvuleka kunye nokuhamba. Idibanisa i-cafe, ukutya okukhululekileyo, ukufunda, kunye nemisebenzi yomboniso, esi sithuba sinikezela ngamava akhululekileyo, asebenzisanayo aphuhlisa unxibelelwano loluntu, ukuphumla, kunye nokuhlola, umema abasebenzisi ukuba bamkele imvakalelo yenkululeko kunye namathuba angenasiphelo.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award

Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo ngokungaqhelekanga okunikwa imiyilo yomgangatho ophezulu, entle nechukumisayo. Abaphumeleleyo beSilivere ziimveliso ezikhazimlayo kakhulu nezidala kakhulu ezibonisa ubungcali obuphawulekayo, italente nobukrelekrele babayili bazo. Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar iyathenjwa ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omhle womzekelo, onobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezinzulu. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award yimveliso ebonakalayo kakhulu, ethandwayo enceda kwaye inyusa imida yobugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha. Open Mind Coffee Primary Function: I-Cafe Bar yimveliso enomona omkhulu kuyo evusa iinqwenelo, izisa iimvakalelo ezintle kwaye ivuselela ukumangaliswa nokumangala.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: 1 Purpose
Create a multifunctional open commercial space that breaks traditional boundaries, providing a free-flowing environment that promotes social interaction, relaxation, and engagement.

2 Function
Integrate coffee, casual dining, reading, exhibition, and other functions to meet diverse customer needs, offering a comfortable and interactive space experience.

3 Methodology
A three-in-one approach combining architecture, decorative design, and landscape design.
Dimensions & Packaging: Selected high-quality, durable, and sustainable materials to ensure both aesthetic appeal and sustainability:

Stone Slabs
Crystal Blue Diamond Stone 1200mm x 2700mm x 6mm
Glacier White Jade Glossy Stone 1200mm x 2700mm x 6mm
Both slabs are durable, stain-resistant, and recyclable, meeting environmental standards and reducing maintenance costs.
Tags: Coffee bar, borderless integration, free flow, community sharing, diversified space
Production Technology: Flexible Layout:
Instead of traditional partitions, we used furniture, lighting, and landscape elements to naturally divide the space, creating seamless connections between functional areas without feeling oppressive or overly separated.

Material and Lighting:
Layered materials like wood, marble, and glass, along with varied lighting effects, define visual boundaries while preserving openness and a natural atmosphere.

Multifunctionality and Interactivity:
Without clear barriers between functional areas, thoughtful designs such as furniture placement, lighting, and greenery guide movement and interaction. The space is adaptable to different needs, enhancing the overall experience.
Design Challenge: Through innovative design, created a space that meets modern commercial needs while promoting social interaction and design aesthetics.

Social Interaction The design fosters communication and cultural exchange, providing a common space for people of diverse backgrounds and interests.
Multifunctional Space The project adapts to various functions, serving as a café, exhibition area, social hub, or quiet reading zone to meet diverse needs.
Attractiveness and Brand Image The innovative design sets the space apart in a competitive market, enhancing the brand’s image and attracting more customers.
Research: Through innovative design, this space balances commerce, social interaction, and aesthetics.

Social Connectivity Encourages engagement and cultural exchange.
Versatility Adapts as a cafe, exhibition area, or social hub.
Brand Appeal Enhances identity and attracts visitors.
Inspiration: Concept Boundaryless Integration
Inspired by the concept of Boundless Fusion, the design features a glowing glass box that floats within the space. Flexible layouts, material transitions, and strategic lighting blur the boundaries between different areas. A seamless glass curtain wall connects the interior and exterior, enhancing openness and flow.
Project Duration: The project started in April 2024 in Chengdu and finished in August 2024 in Chengdu
Operation Flow: This project is an open free-flowing space that combines functional zones like coffee, casual dining, reading, and exhibition. By breaking away from traditional closed commercial layouts, it seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments, creating an expansive open feel. The design fosters natural interactions and free-flowing social activities, emphasizing flow and interactivity while removing physical boundaries to cultivate an adaptable multifunctional atmosphere where everyone can find their rhythm.
Patents: Kris Lin International Design
Image Credits: Kris Lin International Design