Yiming Li's Umbrella Canteen: A Dance in the Rain

Revolutionizing Workplace Dining with Innovative Design and Technology

Yiming Li's design concept was inspired by the classic film "Singing in the Rain". The canteen is designed to be a relaxing harbor for staff, where they can be stimulated by interesting thoughts during dining. The design incorporates umbrella-shaped columns, green plants, water, and sunshine to create a refreshing atmosphere for staff to unwind after long hours of work.

The Umbrella Canteen stands out for its innovative use of materials and design techniques. The project is a low-cost renovation that utilizes white acrylic plates to transform columns into umbrella shapes. Each column is designed into slightly different umbrella shapes, extending from the glass ceiling to the interior, introducing outdoor sunshine into the space. The floor tile in white and black is utilized by modular design to avoid any waste, while the ceiling is additionally decorated by little drop lights, creating a space that feels like dancing in the rain.

Part of the roof is made of hollow low-e glass with water curtains. In summer, the glass reflects the sunshine and reduces the temperature through water inside. In winter, the water curtains can be closed to allow sunshine into the room, creating a greenhouse effect to maintain the interior temperature. The interior walls close to the glass curtain and side windows are decorated by green plants, while the floor close to plant walls and windows is designed to use wood-like tiles for longer durability and easier maintenance.

The project, which spans 2000 square meters, started in September 2016 in Beijing and was completed in March 2017. It was a collaborative effort, with Xiang Lv and Chaofei Shi also contributing to the design. The team faced several challenges, including the adoption of new technologies like 3D printing and modules technologies, but their efforts paid off when the project was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018.

The Umbrella Canteen is a testament to Yiming Li's commitment to creating unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Through innovative design and the use of technology, Li has transformed a typical workplace dining area into a refreshing haven for staff. The project serves as an inspiration for future designers to think outside the box and create spaces that are not only functional but also contribute to the well-being of the users.