Our barista friend chose to install his first café in an old pavilion in the heart of Shanghai’s former French Concession. Although the interior area is only 20 square meters, it has a neat east-facing street facade and a rare south-facing courtyard.

As multiple families shared the common space in the history, the neighborhood’s interaction remained complicated, and the terrace was formed to an unusual contour. The courtyard is fascinating with its wild landscape, such an isolated and primitive space right next to the sophisticated and bustling urban texture. After visiting, our first thought was to incorporate this outdoor imagery into the interior layout.

▼空间轴测图 spatial axis side view © CASE PAVILION 案亭

Therefore, between the indoor seats and the steps leading to the terrace, we built a mirror facing the street. Thus, a visual structure has been created to link the interior, the street and the terrace (Mise en abyme).

▼室内外的分界 boundary between indoor and outdoor space © Alessandro WANG