Seine River: A Retro European Cafe in Chongqing City

Blending European Culture and Natural Surroundings

The Seine River cafe, designed by Jiang Wu and Yixuan Wang, is a unique retro cafe located in a natural village near Chongqing City, China. Inspired by classical French and British interior design, the cafe aims to provide visitors with an immersive European cultural experience while seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings.

The designers drew inspiration from the decorative art of classical French and British interior design to create an atmosphere that enhances the space. To further enhance the sense of combination between the void and the solid, the designers incorporated Rome marble pillars to divide the space into functional areas, creating a sunken area. This unique design element adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the cafe.

One of the standout features of the Seine River cafe is the integration of nature into the interior space. A tree is planted inside the door, connecting the interior and exterior spaces and allowing visitors to experience the natural view while enjoying their time in the cafe. This seamless connection with nature adds a sense of tranquility and harmony to the overall design.

The materials used in the Seine River cafe include white natural marble, natural leather, laminate floor, brass, and white latex paint. These materials, combined with the European-inspired decor, create a timeless and elegant ambiance that transports visitors to the streets of Europe.

With a total area of 130.3 square meters, the Seine River cafe offers a spacious and transparent interior design. The space is divided by Rome marble pillars, clearly defining the different functional areas while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.

The design team faced the challenge of seamlessly integrating the natural landscape with the classical style of the cafe. By incorporating elements of European classical design and decorations, along with the addition of trees in the interior environment, they successfully created a space that reflects the natural surroundings. The use of large windows further blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior, allowing visitors to enjoy the picturesque view from the comfort of the cafe.

Not only does the Seine River cafe provide a space for relaxation and cultural immersion, but it also contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities. The cafe is a testament to the designers' commitment to creating a design that not only enhances the aesthetic experience but also promotes sustainable development.

The Seine River cafe is a true gem in Chongqing City, offering visitors a unique European cultural experience while immersing them in the beauty of nature. With its elegant design, seamless integration of the natural landscape, and commitment to the local community, it is no wonder that the Seine River cafe was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2022 for its outstanding interior space, retail, and exhibition design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: YiXuan Wang
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Yixuan Wang, 2021 Image #2: Photographer Yixuan Wang, 2021 Image #3: Photographer Yixuan Wang, 2021 Image #4: Photographer Yixuan Wang, 2021 Image #5: Photographer Yixuan Wang, 2021
Project Team Members: Designer: Yixuan Wang Designer: Lei Fu Designer: Tianyao Zhang Designer: Chang Shi Designer: Nanyi Wang
Project Name: Seine River
Project Client: YiXuan Wang


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