2025 | Professional
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LIAO LIAO Caf茅 (鈥渁 gentle sip鈥 in Chinese) is an independent caf茅 and light dining pavilion situated in the heart of Xiyuan Park, Luoyang鈥攁n ancient capital of China known for its poetic landscapes and deep cultural memory. The name captures the essence of a slow, intentional moment: to pause, to sip, to reconnect. This project reimagines the relationship between nature, public space, and daily life through architectural clarity and emotional softness.
The structure is semi-sunken, nestled between pine trees and open lawns, creating a sense of retreat without separation. Visitors approach the caf茅 via a suspended walkway under a soft canopy of trees. The radial layout connects different zones鈥攃offee bar, tea pavilion, open-air seating, and private dining rooms鈥攁nchored around a central sunken courtyard. The space sequence unfolds through openness and enclosure, compression and release, shade and light. This controlled spatial rhythm enhances the visitor鈥檚 sense of presence and connection to the landscape.
Materiality plays a vital role in the project鈥檚 narrative. Exposed steel frames meet locally sourced stone, raw wood planks, woven rattan, and translucent fabric. Glass fa莽ades dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, letting shadows and greenery become part of the interior experience. These material contrasts are choreographed to evoke lightness and tactility, precision and softness.
Beyond aesthetic clarity, the caf茅 functions as a socially inclusive public space. Its open terraces, shaded courtyards, and semi-enclosed zones support a variety of uses鈥攆rom casual visits and solo retreat to group gatherings and local events. Positioned within a public park, the space enhances the social fabric of the community, contributing to both soft tourism and local urban life. LIAO LIAO Caf茅 demonstrates how restrained architectural interventions can create emotionally resonant, flexible environments that support connection, culture, and everyday living.
Credits
Entrant Company
Nanjing Toushi Intelligent System Co., Ltd
Category
Product Design - Smart Technologies
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Sheng Wei Yang Design
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Interior Design - Hospitality
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SanGong Design
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Interior Design - Residential聽
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Hengxiang Technology Co., Ltd
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Product Design - Robotics