The New Moment: Transforming an Abandoned Building into a Vibrant Cafeteria

Revitalizing Space and Enhancing Dining Experience

The old building, which had been unused for over 20 years, presented a remarkable opportunity for transformation. With the vision of Minnie Jan and Daisuke Nagatomo, the space was reinvented into a spacious corporate cafeteria, incorporating vibrant blue colors and new material textures to create a fresh and pleasant dining experience.

What sets The New Moment apart is its conversion of an abandoned building into a corporate cafeteria. The designers successfully integrated vivid blue colors to establish a brand new image for the space, enhancing the comfort and ambiance for diners.

The realization of The New Moment involved a combination of CNC milling for the VIP room ceiling and hand carpentry for the majority of the space. This blend of technologies ensured a seamless execution of the design, resulting in a visually stunning and functional interior.

Spanning 500 square meters, The New Moment offers a spacious and inviting environment for diners to enjoy their meals. The careful attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship brought this abandoned building back to life, creating a vibrant and modern cafeteria.

The design process for The New Moment began with a detailed site survey to assess the condition of the building. Original condition drawings were created, and after several design iterations, the final proposal was presented to the client. With their approval, the project moved into the construction phase and opened to the public in September 2017.

Located in the Hsinchu Science Park in Taiwan, The New Moment is a testament to the possibilities of repurposing old structures. The project serves as a model for converting outdated buildings into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

The New Moment was not without its challenges. Dealing with the unique conditions of an old structure required careful consideration and on-site inspections. The designers overcame these obstacles through a design-build approach, ensuring that every aspect of the project was meticulously addressed.

The New Moment is a testament to the power of design to transform neglected spaces into vibrant and functional environments. By breathing new life into an abandoned building, Minnie Jan and Daisuke Nagatomo have created a unique and inviting cafeteria that serves as a gathering place for the Taiwanese company and its employees.

Photo Credit: Daisuke Nagatomo

Award: The New Moment was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious award recognizes the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The Iron A' Design Award celebrates designs that integrate industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.