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B131 Café Embodies Enclosure and Openness With a Square-Framed Design

BBG News

Summary

  • B131, a café designed by Jiangjie Office, is built adjacent to an art museum in Hangzhou
  • Its design features a square plan, lightweight aluminum cladding and distinct windows
  • The interior blends structural elements with natural light for an engaging space

Located in Hangzhou, B131, designed by architectural firm Jiangjie Office, serves not just as an ordinary café but also functions as a tranquil hideaway amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Conceived as a harmonious space accompanying an adjacent art museum within the BAC Art Community, its compact form and light construction create a carefully balanced spatial environment. This design provides visitors with a warm refuge — a distinctive oasis of peace where they can enjoy casual chats, quiet contemplation, or simply appreciate the surrounding urban scenery.

The square layout of the café lends it a distinct shape, while its structure rests on a flexible steel frame covered in anodized aluminum sheets. The strategic use of these materials creates a bright and open feel during daylight, but as darkness falls, the panels emit a gentle glow, altering the café’s role within the city’s nightscape subtly.

The layout of B131 Café is centered around motion and engagement, with structural components and abundant natural light leading the way. The café’s twelve-column structure subtly delineates seating areas and flow, creating a seamless transition between different spaces. A large skylight positioned centrally draws in sunlight, casting varying moods throughout the day across the café. The central bar, nestled beneath the skylight, becomes a significant focus, making the interplay between barista and patrons an essential element in the evolving story of the space.

On the west, there’s a large, low window that stretches across the entire width of the building, providing a panoramic view of the plaza and the far-off Xiangshan Ridge. This window has four movable panels that can be slid open during pleasant weather, almost erasing the divide between indoors and outdoors. On the north side, there’s a narrow window slot, which affords peeks into the café’s happenings while preserving an intimate ambiance inside. By thoughtfully arranging its spaces, this café skillfully manages to keep a dynamic equilibrium between being enclosed and open, creating a harmonious blend of architectural design, natural beauty, and city living.

B131 Café
BAC Art Community,Zhuantang,
Hangzhou,China

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2025-05-30 07:26

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