Turning Back Time: A Journey Through Design

Exploring X2 Create Multiple Design's Award-Winning Cafe Store Concept

Step into the past with X2 Create Multiple Design's "Turning Back Time" cafe store, a design that masterfully blends the old-world charm of Europe with modern aesthetics. This unique space, inspired by the Victorian era and French-style dessert shops, takes visitors on a journey through time, offering a distinctive and immersive experience.

The design team, consisting of Chun-Hung Chen, Chao-Wei Chen, and Hsin-Ya Hsieh, drew inspiration from the architectural structures and color palettes of European dessert shops. The use of wooden structures, green-and-blue bricks, and copper materials creates a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era. The design's unique properties lie in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary edge.

One of the standout features of the design is the large bronze clock adorning the dessert display counter. This element, coupled with the meandering copper tubes, is reminiscent of a 19th-century European coffee machine factory. The clock and tubes, along with the planet globe ornaments on the ceiling, symbolize the passage of time, adding depth and meaning to the overall design.

The design process involved the use of various materials, including wood, iron, mosaics, bricks, and copper. These materials were carefully chosen to enhance the retro European countryside style and showcase the craftsmanship of metal aesthetics. The design team faced the challenge of integrating these diverse materials into a cohesive design, a feat they accomplished with great success.

The "Turning Back Time" design was realized in an 808-square-meter space in Taichung City, Taiwan. Completed in December 2016, the project required extensive research and planning. The team drew inspiration from literature and desserts to create a "book wall of time," a unique feature that adds a layer of intrigue to the space.

The design's innovative approach and meticulous execution earned it the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. "Turning Back Time" is indeed a testament to X2 Create Multiple Design's commitment to pushing the boundaries of interior design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chao-Wei Chen
Image Credits: Chao-Wei Chen
Project Team Members: CHUN-HUNG CHEN CHAO-WEI CHEN HSIN-YA HSIEH
Project Name: Turning Back Time
Project Client: Chao-Wei Chen


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