Cafe Amoy: A Harmony of Natural Inspiration and Contemporary Design

Ryoichi Niwata's Award-Winning Design Captures the Essence of Xiamen

The inspiration for Cafe Amoy is rooted in the natural resources of Xiamen, a city known for its mountains, oceans, waves, rocks, caves, temples, streets, gardens, greens, flowers, and trees. Niwata sought to capture the city's beautiful ocean island scenery, wonderful subtropical climate, and rich historical culture in his design. The result is a space that does not merely end with a seaside open terrace but extends into a contemporary dining experience.

What sets Cafe Amoy apart are the white floating boxes that cover the entire space, from the ceiling to the walls. These abstract forms, which represent the ocean waves of Xiamen, can also be interpreted as caves, rocks, and mountains, depending on the viewer's perspective. By enveloping the entire space, Niwata has created a unique dining experience akin to an art installation.

The materials used in the design were carefully chosen to highlight the architectural aspects of the white cubes. White oak, two kinds of stones (brown and white), and white paint were used, with the material composition simplified to emphasize the white floating boxes. Green fabrics and flower patterns were used for the furniture, expressing Xiamen's natural beauty in a casual cafe setting. The inclusion of various planters in the restaurant adds a fresh contrast to the white floating boxes.

The restaurant, which covers an area of about 670 square meters and seats 250, features an attractive open-kitchen. Unlike conventional buffets where guests and service areas are completely separated, Cafe Amoy uses a long table as a buffet counter, blurring the boundary between kitchen and dining areas. This design encourages friendly communication between staff and customers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The project, which began in March 2015 and was completed in November 2017, faced several challenges. Niwata wanted to develop the idea further, avoiding the use of unique motifs from Xiamen and instead expressing them abstractly in geometric form. The result is a three-dimensional contemporary sculpture of ocean waves. The biggest challenge was transforming the pure elements of Xiamen into the restaurant design, a feat that Niwata accomplished with aplomb.

The design's success is evident in its accolades. Cafe Amoy was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018, a testament to Niwata's innovative design and the restaurant's unique dining experience. As a marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creation, Cafe Amoy reflects the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advancing art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impacting the world with its desirable characteristics.