Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館 by Ryan Chung is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award 銀獎 in 室內空間及展覽設計 Competition Category.

銀室內· 2023

Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館

by Ryan Chung

Client: Studio Yimu

A' Design Award 銀獎 Winner in 室內 Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #141615

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館

現代咖啡館帶來了年輕的活力和新鮮的元素，同時又充滿了傳統物質性的堅定品質。太空組織是對京都傳統小巷的致敬，讓人們一睹在俏皮的黃色和白色天篷下尚未探索的事物。一直以來，該設計都融入了日本設計的視覺特徵，以反映其所提供的日式甜點。柔和的曲線和明亮的黃色高高的天篷映入眼簾，構成了一座現代寺廟般的結構。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銀獎

Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館是 A' Design Award 銀獎得主，這是授予頂級、華美而令人印象深刻的設計的極為崇高的認可。銀獎得主是極其卓越、極具創造力的作品，展現出其設計師傑出的專業技能、才華與敏銳。預計Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館將成為一件出色的典範之作，兼具非凡的專業性與深刻的創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銀獎的設計是一項備受矚目、令人欽佩的發明，造福並拓展藝術、科學、設計和技術的界限。Fuwa Fuwa 甜點咖啡館是一件令人羨慕的創作，它喚起渴望，帶來積極的情感，並激發驚嘆與讚嘆。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This modern café imbues the youthful energy of the desserts they serve, and the spirit of exploration and novelty found in the narrow walkways of old Kyoto streets. Seating is integrated on the side allowing for an unobstructed view and pathway down the length of the entire space, creating a unique focal point of depth, volume and curiosity.
Dimensions & Packaging: Project area of 167 square meters.
Tags: Studio Yimu, Interior Design, Commercial Design, Modern, Cafe Design, Dessert Cafe, Toronto, Canada
Production Technology: The placement of lighting and color were vital in achieving a warm ambience. Designer team worked closely with the lighting consultant to conclude a solution that can have even spread of lighting as it interacts with different material layers that softly lights up the café throughout, connecting adjacent areas.
Design Challenge: The narrow and long space needed to fulfill three key needs: a space for delivery workers to wait, privacy for in-store customers where they can converse and dine undisturbed, and an accessible and highly visible front of house.

The pandemic has made take-out and delivery more prevalent and it became essential to consider the distribution of space in relation to the flow of traffic. How can the travel of customers be minimized? How can this narrow space host distinct zones for different customers in an organic and passive fashion?

The solution highlights the length of the space to create the effect of a warm Japanese alley street. Additionally, by placing the sales counter in the front of the curved element, it effectively becomes the entrance, creating two zones hidden from one another. It is highly visible and is the first point of contact for everyone. For those who choose to take-out, they stand "outside" of the portal. For those who dine in, they progress "inside".
Research: The structure of the middle island references traditional temples found in Kyoto with its wooden posts, hanging menus, and visual proportions. The food prep counter is visible on the side and is reminiscent of watching food being prepared at street vendor stalls along a long stretch of road. Instead of covering the original flooring, the stripped back surface was kept, imperfections and all, to honor the imprint of time it reflects.
Inspiration: The goal is to introduce the cafe's warm and positive energy to an otherwise traditional plaza. It is neither a grab-and-go coffee place nor a sit-down restaurant. It exists in the intersection of the two, and cultivates the visual aesthetics of both; the vibrant brightness of the youth-led culture and the solid steadfast quality of a classic eatery. All the while infusing visual traits of Japanese design to reflect the Japanese style dessert that it serves.
Project Duration: Project start May 2020 and completed in November 2021. Located in Toronto, Canada.
Operation Flow: Visitors are greeted by the soft curve and bright yellow of the high canopy. It frames the modern temple like structure below. Light emanates from it, bringing light to all corners of the space. The sides are unobstructed yet what lies behind is hidden from view and remains to be explored. By entering the side valleys, two experiences become available; the hustle and bustle of pancake flipping and the cozy feeling of being tucked away from view.
Team Members: Creative Director: Ryan Chung
Designer: Long Wu
Designer: Chelsea Chen
Lighting Designer: Peter Ma
Image Credits: Image #1: Scott Norsworthy 2022
Image #2: Scott Norsworthy 2022
Image #3: Scott Norsworthy 2022
Image #4: Scott Norsworthy 2022
Image #5: Scott Norsworthy 2022