Cafe' @WC Joint Publishing HK
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Coffee Shop Design
“A café-library hybrid where greenery, light, and spatial calm create a quiet pause within the city—blurring the boundary between reading, resting, and social exchange.”
Located within Joint Publishing in Wan Chai, this café was conceived as an extension of the bookstore rather than a standalone food-and-beverage space. The design aims to create a gentle transition from the pace of the city into a slower, more contemplative environment—one that invites visitors to read, think, and linger.
The spatial layout is kept open and linear, allowing clear sightlines across the café while subtly defining seating zones. Timber furniture and neutral finishes establish a warm, understated backdrop, ensuring the space feels approachable without competing with the surrounding books and publications.
A defining feature of the project is the introduction of suspended greenery along the ceiling plane. The cascading plants soften the architectural lines and introduce a natural rhythm, helping to reduce visual stress while enhancing acoustic comfort. Natural daylight is maximised along the window façade, complemented by warm, low-glare lighting to maintain a calm atmosphere throughout the day.
Custom balustrades with delicate graphic patterns echo the cultural identity of the bookstore, adding a layer of visual texture without overwhelming the space. The café seating ranges from communal tables to window-side counters, supporting both social interaction and quiet individual use.
Through a careful balance of material restraint, natural elements, and spatial clarity, the design transforms the café into a peaceful urban retreat—one that seamlessly integrates reading culture, everyday life, and moments of pause within the city.