Buna Cafe Neihu: A Harmonious Blend of Urban and Natural Elements

Chin Ming Tsai's Innovative Design Approach Creates a Unique Urban Oasis

The inspiration for Buna Cafe Neihu came from the challenge of making the building stand out yet blend in with its urban surroundings. Tsai's solution was to create an urban green space, using a natural color palette of white and green and incorporating a rooftop sheep area. Large scale marbling patterns further enhance the building's connection to nature, making it a welcoming haven in the city.

What sets Buna Cafe Neihu apart from other cafes is Tsai's focus on emotional consumption and spatial liberation. The open space fosters a sense of openness, diversity, and innovation. The beauty of both static and dynamic elements is captured through the flowing streams of marble patterns and the interplay of natural and artificial light.

The realization of this design was achieved through the use of clear glass and a plant wall to blur the boundaries between man and nature. The large scale marble pattern serves as both the background and mainstay of the interior space. Hand-painted tiles and contemporary paintings, along with innovative design elements such as different material stitching and a harmonious balance of warm and cold tones, contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Despite the challenges posed by the original low steel structure of the building, Tsai was able to achieve visual extension through the use of an elevation facade and floor-to-ceiling dividing lines. The extension of the light strip and the use of color further enhance the sense of space. The design and construction process required flexibility and inclusivity, taking into account external factors such as neighboring buildings and regulatory reviews.

Buna Cafe Neihu is a testament to Tsai's innovative design approach and his ability to create a unique urban oasis. The project was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020, a testament to its outstanding design and trendsetting creation. This urban green space truly embodies extraordinary excellence and significantly impacts the world with its desirable characteristics.