Stop Motion Cafe

The Coffee Bar with a Life of Its Own

The Stop Motion Cafe, designed by Ajax Law, brings the magic of stop motion animation to life within a cinema-themed coffee bar. Inspired by the concept of freeze-framed motion, this unique design captures the essence of movement and creativity.

Every film is composed of thousands of stop motions, creating the illusion of a moving image. The designers behind Stop Motion Cafe freeze and extract these motion fragments, embedding them within the cinema perimeter. As visitors step into the restaurant, they are greeted by a coffee counter that seems to have a life of its own.

The wall of the cafe further enhances the concept of stop motion, with irregular fragments that simulate frozen moments in time. These pieces come together to form a cohesive whole, just like the frames of a film. The materials used in the design, such as stones and stretch ceilings, take a backseat to the finished art form, allowing the colors and elements to shine.

One of the standout features of Stop Motion Cafe is the feature lighting in the middle of the coffee bar. Each light has its own unique character, pointing towards different angles. When joined together, they create a clamp-like shape that stretches throughout the space, generating a vibrant and dynamic ambiance.

The Stop Motion Cafe, located in Wuhan, China, was a project that presented creative and technical challenges. The designers had to carefully balance the elements of stop motion animation with the functionality and practicality of a coffee bar. The result is a space that seamlessly blends art and function, providing visitors with a truly unique and immersive experience.

Ajax Law Ling Kit and Virginia Lung, the design team behind Stop Motion Cafe, have been recognized for their exceptional work. The design was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2016. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the innovative and expertly executed design, which showcases outstanding creativity and technical skill.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Ajax Law
Image Credits: Jonathan Leijonhufvud
Project Team Members: Ajax Law Ling Kit Virginia Lung
Project Name: Stop Motion Cafe
Project Client: Ajax Law


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