Café Shin brings real Seoul to Paris

Seoul, a city renowned for having the highest number of coffee shops per capita globally, boasts a vibrant and diverse coffee culture that extends far beyond typical chains to include unique, design-led establishments. This selection highlights ten such exceptional cafés, perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Seoul's distinctive blend of modern design and rich cultural heritage, especially during events like Frieze Seoul. These coffee shops are not merely places to grab a drink but are destinations that offer a curated aesthetic experience. Blue Bottle Myeongdong Cafe, designed by Teo Yang Studio, integrates the brand's signature blue with elements of traditional Korean architecture (hanok) and the concept of jakyung, where architecture harmonizes with its surroundings. This compact space in a bustling shopping district provides a serene, grab-and-go experience with a calming blue and white palette. Similarly, Cafe Aalto by Mealº, inspired by Alvar Aalto and located in David Chipperfield’s Amorepacific World Headquarters, features a design rich in wooden textures and precise proportions. Its striking birch-slatted ceiling, reminiscent of Aalto's Savoy Vase, and a central reading table filled with Finnish architecture tomes, create a refined atmosphere, complemented by unique chestnut cream coffees and distinctive pastries. Coffee Nap Roasters, conceived by MAOOM design studio, stands out with its award-winning space featuring a hill made of 7,000 bricks for seating. This Yeonnam-dong café emphasizes a strong connection to nature through its roof, which allows natural light to flood the interior, embodying a philosophy of simple yet enduring beauty. Foreplan in Seongsu-dong offers an ambiance akin to an architectural office, displaying sketches, models, and design literature. It serves a brunch menu alongside unique beverages like the Macadamia Cream Latte, catering to those seeking a stimulating environment. Hahouse Cafe in Itaewon merges industrial chic with artistic expression, operating as both a coffee shop and a gallery. Designed by Niceworkshop, it showcases a clean interplay of concrete, stainless steel, and wood, with bespoke furnishings that reflect a 'Neo-Naturalism' philosophy. Hrr, a glasshouse coffee shop near Jamwon Hangang Park, offers minimalist white interiors and an open layout, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing serene views of the Han River. Its design integrates mature wooden pillars, referencing maritime heritage, and offers a menu of home-grown fruits and vegetables alongside unique baked goods. Perception, in the Hapjeong neighborhood, is distinguished by its 'Shading Tree' ceiling—a flowing structure of curved wooden slats designed by architect Jung Hae Jun-Feelament. This spot offers both classic coffee options and signature drinks like 'Atmosphere of the Place,' appealing to the area's university community. Pont Cafe Mullae, situated in a former industrial building in Mullae-dong, preserves its historical shell while incorporating modern design. Studio Stof's adaptive reuse maintained the original rough ceiling and brickwork, introducing elements like plywood and terracotta to create a warm, orange-toned interior. Seoul Coffee Ikseon is nestled within a traditional Korean hanok, blending preserved historical features like timber beams and a thick wooden door with contemporary additions such as brass accents and glass blocks. This café cherishes the city's unique cultural heritage while offering a menu that includes traditional coffee alongside Korean-inspired delicacies. Lastly, Upstanding Coffee, conceptualized by The First Penguin (T-FP), embraces a 'run-down' aesthetic while providing a modern experience. It retains much of the original site's character, integrating new materials like stainless steel and lauan plywood, and featuring a striking spiral staircase. Its menu includes a signature 'Magic coffee' inspired by Melbourne's espresso-to-milk ratio, demonstrating a commitment to quality in both design and product. #SeoulCoffeeCulture #DesignLedCafes #KoreanArchitecture #CafeInteriors #TravelSeoul #ArchitecturalDesign #CoffeeShopDesign #ContemporaryDesign #CulturalExperience

Atelieramo, a design studio, has completed the interior design for Bao Express, a Chinese restaurant located near Bastille in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The restaurant specializes in dim sum and bao buns and is housed in a former button factory, encompassing a 500-square-metre space. The interior concept, overseen by architect Tala Gharagozlou and designer Virginie de Graveron, draws inspiration from the architecture and pop culture of 1970s Hong Kong, particularly its cha chaan tengs, which are traditional greasy spoon cafes. The design aims to create distinct yet interconnected spaces within the restaurant, consisting of a bakery, a diner, and a basement bar. The studio’s approach was to reinterpret elements of Hong Kong’s urban atmosphere, incorporating pastel colors, colored pavings, neon lights, and a rich mix of patterns and motifs. The intention was to evoke a unique atmosphere for Bao Express rather than simply replicating a specific decor style. Significant structural alterations were made to the abandoned building, including modifications to floor plates, the addition of a new staircase, and reconfigured circulation paths. Upon entering from the street, customers encounter a bakery and cafe area that serves snacks for dine-in or takeaway. This front section, which appears as a simple neighborhood cafe, discreetly leads to the larger dining areas located deeper within the building. The kitchens are designed to be visible from the street, and guests walk past displays of colorful raw produce before passing through a metal curtain to access the main diner. The main dining space features comfortable booths with curved wooden frames, complemented by pastel-green walls. Custom-designed bright-red sconces and mosaic panels, which mimic the materials of the central bar, provide contrasting accents. Towards the rear of the building, a larger dining area is situated under an expansive skylight, making it bright and airy. This space is adorned with plants, creating a winter garden-like dining experience. The exposed masonry walls are painted in a celadon-green shade, forming a playful color palette with peach and pink elements visible in the glossy tabletops. The design studio’s use of color and pattern extends to geometric tiled floors and bold black-and-white stripes painted on the walls of the staircase that descends to the basement bar, named Underpool. The Underpool bar area features a distinctive hammered-metal ceiling installation created by French artist SupaKitch. The rippled surface of the artwork reflects the bar's blue-green interior, designed to give the impression of looking up at an inverted swimming pool. Bao Express is part of a family of eateries in Paris owned by restaurateurs Céline Chung and Billy Pham, with Atelieramo having designed several of their establishments, each with a unique character inspired by different facets of Chinese culture. The project highlights a contemporary interpretation of traditional Hong Kong diner aesthetics in a Parisian setting. #ChineseRestaurant #ParisInteriorDesign #Atelieramo #HongKongDiner #RetroDesign #RestaurantInterior #CulturalInspiration #SupaKitchArt #UrbanAtmosphere

Milan, a city traditionally characterized by its quick-stop cafes and limited casual office spaces, has welcomed an innovative concept: Tenoha. This establishment, the second international location for the Tokyo-based concept, integrates a shop, cafe, event venue, and co-working space. Situated in a 2500 sq m former wallpaper factory from the 1930s in Milan's Navigli neighborhood, Tenoha presents a unique blend of Japanese aesthetics and Italian design sensibilities. The interiors, crafted by Milan-based Park Associati, deviate from a direct replication of Tenoha's original Daikanyama location. Instead, the design team aimed to create a space that evokes a contemporary Tokyo as imagined through an Italian lens. This approach, which involved experimenting with the design, was well-received by owner Hiroshi Sato. Michele Rossi of Park Associati emphasized the goal of merging Milanese and Tokyo influences, resulting in visuals that reference the vibrant Daikanyama scene while utilizing materials deeply rooted in Italian design heritage. Key interior elements include cherry wood banquette seating, Horigotatsu-style booths, and a custom gridded lighting system. Notably, shōji screens are adorned with textiles from Milan-based Kvadrat, and the bar is clad in hexagonal kelp-green tiles by Botteganove, which complement the overall deep teal and orange color scheme. At the heart of the expansive space lies a classic Milanese courtyard, offering outdoor seating with bamboo and cherry blossoms—a welcome feature during favorable weather. Beyond its co-working and cafe functions, Tenoha features a shop along Via Vigevano that imports Japanese art gifts and homeware. This includes items like Toyo-Sasaki glassware, tokyobike cruisers, and Kobeha Keikaku stationery. The shop's prominent location and large windows ensure ample daylight and attract curious passersby. The cafe's menu, developed by Hideyuki Manaka of Tokyo's Da Fiore, offers a mix of traditional dishes like Tonkatsu pork cutlets and udon noodles, alongside more innovative options such as Caprese salad with tofu and yuzu Monkfish. While Italian wine is served, the cocktail selection leans towards Japanese influences. A glass wall demarcates the restaurant from the co-working areas, which are furnished with a tiered wooden platform and cushions. This flexible seating arrangement caters to the diverse working habits of Tenoha’s freelance clientele. The establishment is anticipated to draw a large number of designers and design enthusiasts, especially with events like Salone del Mobile, and is seen as a significant addition to Milan’s burgeoning landscape of innovative venues. #MilaneseCafe #JapaneseDesign #CoWorkingSpace #InteriorDesign #CrossCulturalDesign #NavigliNeighborhood #ParkAssociati #MilanLifestyle #ZenSpace

Blue Bottle Coffee has opened its eighth outpost in Japan and its first in Kyoto, situated in a historic 100-year-old building near the 13th-century Nanzen-ji temple and garden. This new cafe offers a tranquil retreat at the end of an unassuming alleyway, known locally as a kyomachiya, or ‘eel’s nest,’ due to its narrow opening and spacious courtyard entrance. The design concept for this new establishment beautifully merges the building's historical integrity with the modern brand culture of Blue Bottle Coffee. The interior design, largely devoid of overt branding, emphasizes the building's original character. Extensive use of wood throughout the cafe, coupled with preserved architectural elements like exposed wall patches and intricately carved beams and wooden pillars, pays homage to the structure’s century-long heritage. Schemata Architects’ Jo Nagasaka led the design, focusing on subtle modifications that blend traditional Japanese tranquility with contemporary comfort. For instance, the entryway and floor were lowered, allowing visitors to enter seamlessly while wearing shoes. Outside, paths of terrazzo mixed with crushed white gravel were laid, echoing the traditional aesthetics of old Kyoto neighborhoods. This specific Blue Bottle Coffee location in Kyoto offers not only the brand’s signature coffee, espresso, cold brew, and New Orleans-style iced coffee but also an exclusive selection of seasonal pastries. These include green tea mint cookies, which are only available at this Kyoto cafe. The aim is to provide a unique experience that reflects the local culture and the serene environment of its historic setting. The thoughtful integration of old and new elements creates a space that is both respectful of its past and relevant to its present, offering a distinctive coffee experience that aligns with Japan's renowned precision, beauty, and craft in coffee culture. #KyotoArchitecture #BlueBottleCoffee #JapaneseDesign #ZenArchitecture #CafeDesign #HistoricPreservation #SchemataArchitects #CoffeeCulture

In an era characterized by self-aware architecture, the Basic Coffee shop in Beijing, designed by Chinese architecture firm Office AIO, stands out as a prime example of a space meticulously crafted for visual appeal, particularly for social media platforms like Instagram. The cafe, which adjoins a co-working space, incorporates several contemporary design trends to create a "live advertisement" that glorifies the ritual of coffee. The interior design of Basic Coffee is dominated by a monochromatic palette of pastel pink, contributing to its distinct and photogenic aesthetic. The space features a curved timber coffee bar, which serves as a central element. Illumination is provided by globe lights that are strategically placed on the ceiling and walls, emitting a soft, warm glow that enhances the overall ambiance. These design choices aim to create an inviting and visually cohesive environment. Office AIO structured the coffee shop to highlight specific "moments" associated with the coffee-drinking experience. The architects intended these framed views to expose different actions performed by both customers and staff, effectively transforming the cafe into a dynamic visual narrative. For instance, a backlit wall is used to showcase baristas as they prepare beverages, drawing attention to their craft. Separation within the cafe is achieved through a sleek, perforated screen that hangs from the ceiling, dividing the seating area from the waiting area. This design element not only adds to the aesthetic but also helps to define distinct zones within the open space. The intention behind these carefully considered elements is to present each step in the coffee procurement process as a discrete and beautiful event. This approach, while ambitious for a clientele who might be just waking up, underscores the architects' goal of creating a highly curated and memorable experience, akin to a staged advertisement. The design emphasizes the visual journey and interaction within the space, making it a destination not just for coffee, but for its Instagrammable qualities. #CoffeeShopDesign #InteriorDesign #OfficeAIO #BeijingArchitecture #PastelPink #InstagrammableSpaces #MonochromaticPalette #ArchitecturalTrends

Seoul has been named the Best City of 2024 in the Wallpaper* Design Awards, an acknowledgment of its dynamic blend of culture, art, and style, driven by an unstoppable wave of creative talent. The city, once one of the poorest nations in the 1960s, has undergone remarkable economic growth and rapid social change, fostering a competitive and fast-paced environment. This ambition, combined with a desire for external recognition, has fueled its cultural exports, from K-pop and K-drama to fashion. Artists and designers in Seoul excel at absorbing diverse global influences and reinterpreting them to create something uniquely Korean, underpinned by a strong work ethic and a burgeoning appreciation for their national heritage. The city's identity is deeply rooted in its heritage, evident in areas like Bukchon and Seochon. Architect Choi Wook's design for the Sulwhasoo flagship store in Bukchon reflects the character of traditional hanok houses and the structured logic of Korean culture, aiming to evoke a sense of place and visual experience. He describes Seoul's architecture as a complex of chaotic yet cheerful fragments, blending with the mountainous landscape to form a "giant collective" rather than individual grand buildings. In Seochon, the Onjium research institute serves as a cultural guardian, preserving Korean traditions in clothing, culinary arts, and lifestyle through research, exhibitions, and a highly respected fine-dining restaurant that reinterprets staple Korean ingredients with modern flair. Seoul's commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future is also seen in initiatives like the Seochon Lounge, which offers visitors an immersive experience of everyday hanok life and exhibitions on K-style living. The city's landscape, chosen for its excellent feng shui during the Joseon Dynasty, features old palaces juxtaposed against modern high-rises. Architects like Seung H-Sang have shifted the focus from urban growth to regeneration, appreciating the city's unique energy despite its dense and chaotic nature. Architect Byoung Cho's architectural guide, "My Life as an Architect in Seoul," offers a warm perspective on navigating this complex urban environment. The city's fashion scene thrives on speed and trend-setting, nurturing talented designers who redefine luxury. Brands like PAF (Post Archive Faction) are gaining global recognition for their evolving collections that remix past and present influences. The art world in Seoul is equally vibrant, attracting major players like Frieze Seoul and blue-chip galleries. The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Leeum museums, and the recently opened Songeun art space highlight the city's rich artistic landscape. The Songeun art and cultural foundation, for example, has fostered the growth of young talent, prompting artists to forge new languages within the distinct structure of Korean art departments. Seoul is also a hub for innovative retail spaces, exemplified by brands like Gentle Monster, which create immersive, jaw-dropping experiences. The Seongsu district, often compared to Shoreditch or Brooklyn, is a hotbed of creative exploration, with independent shops and large brands coexisting in its industrial backdrop. Entrepreneurs like Jaewon Kim have transformed areas by opening design-focused cafes and shops, recognizing the appeal of contrasting industrial heritage with new, vibrant businesses. This dynamic environment reflects a societal transition, where the creative energy of Seoul serves as a counterpoint to traditional pressures, fostering a strong solidarity among young creators who are shaping the future of Korean culture, even as they navigate the challenges of rapid change and intense competition. #Seoul #BestCity #DesignAwards #KoreanCulture #Architecture #Fashion #ArtScene #UrbanDevelopment #Heritage #RetailInnovation

Manko, the first Peruvian eatery in France by acclaimed chef Gaston Acurio, is a significant addition to the Parisian culinary scene, reflecting Acurio's global influence in popularizing Peruvian cuisine. Located on Avenue Montaigne in Paris' prestigious Golden Triangle, the restaurant is appropriately named after Manco Cápac, Son of the Inca Sun God, hinting at its elevated status and cultural roots. The interior design, conceived by Laura Gonzalez, draws inspiration from the concept of a "diamond in the rough," aiming to embody modern Peru. Gonzalez's approach is evident in her selection of natural materials, which include raw leather banquettes, plush velvet teal chairs, and furnishings adorned with traditional Inca prints. The space also features vivid gold accents that contribute to an atmosphere of understated luxury. Materials such as marble, oak, and two-hundred-year-old terracotta floor tiles sourced from Provence are used in their natural state, emphasizing authenticity and a connection to the earth. Given its lower-ground floor location, lighting was a critical element in the design. Bronze lampshades were custom-designed to cast a golden glow, enhancing the ambiance and creating an intimate setting that Gonzalez humorously suggests makes diners "look their very sexiest." This attention to lighting underscores the designer's comprehensive approach to creating a specific mood and experience within the restaurant. The layout of Manko is designed to foster a communal and generous dining experience, mirroring Chef Acurio's own personality. Large oak tables are strategically placed to encourage groups to order and share substantial dishes, promoting social interaction. The kitchen is open and positioned at diner's eye level, allowing guests to observe the culinary process and engage with the preparation of their meals, which adds an element of transparency and entertainment. The menu at Manko focuses on sustainably sourced fish, presented in various traditional Peruvian preparations such as ceviches and tiraditos, which are marinated in 'leche de tigre'—a flavorful blend of lime juice, fish fumet, coriander, onion, and yellow chilli pepper. Beyond seafood, the menu also features smoky charcoal-grilled beef, complemented by an array of Peruvian vegetables, including quinoa, asparagus, choclo (Peruvian corn), and distinct yellow and purple potatoes. This emphasis on indigenous ingredients highlights the rich biodiversity and culinary heritage of Peru. Following the dining experience, guests can ascend a golden Art Deco staircase to visit the Manko Cabaret, suggesting a seamless transition from a sophisticated meal to an engaging entertainment option. This dual offering of fine dining and cabaret contributes to Manko's appeal as a comprehensive destination for an evening out. The restaurant, located at 15 Avenue Montaigne, is positioned within a vibrant district, enhancing its accessibility and allure. #PeruvianCuisine #ParisRestaurants #InteriorDesign #LauraGonzalez #GastonAcurio #FineDining #RestaurantInteriors #CulturalFusion #SustainableSeafood

Tokyo boasts a vibrant café culture characterized by a continuous emergence of trendy coffee roasters and tea shops. Many of these establishments are housed in exquisitely designed spaces, often created by renowned architects and designers, making them destinations worthy of a visit for their aesthetic appeal alone. This article highlights fifteen such beautiful cafés and coffee shops across Tokyo, each offering a unique design philosophy and atmosphere. Koffee Mameya Kakeru, located in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, is an example of a stylish coffee haven that goes beyond a typical coffee shop experience. While offering beans and drinks for takeaway, it primarily focuses on coffee tasting courses in a sleek interior where elegant counter seats allow customers to observe baristas in action. Socha, near Nezu Shrine, is a teahouse that showcases traditional Japanese architecture, incorporating natural materials like wood and tatami mats. Designed by the adjoining Sobokya Design Office, it features innovative carpentry techniques and unique elements such as a driftwood door handle and a massive zelkova wood table with repurposed old well stones for legs. Wakuni Shoten, a cafe in Higashi-Murayama, is a project by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its striking facade is covered with approximately 700 bronze plates upcycled from a Shinto shrine roof, while the interior features sheet metal art by local firm Uchino and contributions from other artisans like Kitaworks and Kan Ito, creating a refined and cozy atmosphere. Uni Gyre, situated within the MVRDV-designed Gyre shopping center in Omotesando, offers a chic café experience. Its distinguishing feature is a seating area composed of wooden cubes of varying heights. Designed by Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects, the space is inspired by soil, with earth-covered floors and walls, and surrounding greenery that evokes a forest-like retreat. Chiya-ba, a discreet tea house under the Nakameguro train tracks, specializes in chai tea. Its cozy, Zen-like interior, dominated by dark tones, includes a hidden lounge area reminiscent of a boutique hotel lobby. Dotcom Space in Harajuku exemplifies Japanese minimalism with a sleek, light, and airy design by Keiji Ashizawa Design, featuring a communal table, a simple barista bar, and a tranquil courtyard. Connel Coffee, located in the Sogetsu Kaikan building designed by Kenzo Tange, is a minimalist coffee shop by design firm Nendo. It offers stunning views of a green forest and Isamu Noguchi's stone garden through its glass ceilings and windows, with warm cherry wood and simple furnishings creating a serene environment conducive to remote work. Tokyo Saryo in Sangenjaya is a minimalist tea parlor that, despite its small size, impresses with a sleek wooden tea counter where customers can observe the tea preparation process. It also features uniquely designed hand drippers for making traditional Japanese tea, adding a modern twist to ancient practices. Ogawa Coffee Laboratory, Kyoto's established roaster, has a flagship in Setagaya. Designed by Yusuke Seki Studio, its spacious interior features muted tones, a wrap-around counter, and abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, with plywood and washi paper accents, and old stones from Kyoto's tramways. Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights in Harajuku is a collaboration brought together by Chab Design, offering a light and airy sunken café space with concrete walls and simple plywood, creating an approachable vibe. Sarutahiko The Bridge, designed by Suppose Design Office, is a spacious café on the second floor of the new Harajuku Station building, providing ample seating, including cozy couches and communal tables. It blends modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese touches like wooden shoji panels and a bonsai tree. Kayaba Coffee, an old kissaten in Yanaka, was revamped with architectural expertise from Yuko Nagayama & Associates. It preserves the charm of the old kissaten within a traditional machiya-style house, incorporating mid-century modern elements. The interior features old-fashioned furniture, a mirrored roof, and traditional tatami-style seating on the second floor. Sakurai, a tea sanctuary on the fifth floor of Omotesando's Spiral Building, was designed by Simplicity founder Shinichiro Ogata. This small but impactful space includes a tea roasting room, a shop, and a modern teahouse with stunning capital views, centered around a copper-accented tea bar that offers a multi-sensory experience. Blue Bottle Kitaya Park, located in a revamped urban park in Shibuya, features brown volcanic tiles by Dzek and minimalist furniture exclusively designed by Japanese architect Keiji Ashizawa, offering both indoor seating and a terrace for events. Finally, Toraya Akasaka, the flagship store of the famed Japanese confectionery, was refurbished by architect Hiroshi Naito. The two-story café, with its large wood and glass structure topped with a black lacquer roof and hinoki cypress wood interior, presents a traditional yet modern aesthetic, complemented by a basement gallery showcasing intricate wagashi patterns. #TokyoCafes #CoffeeShops #TeaHouses #CafeDesign #ArchitecturalInteriors #JapaneseDesign #MinimalistAesthetics #TokyoTravel #CafeCulture