Birdie Cup Coffee / F.O.G. Architecture

Architects: F.O.G. Architecture
Area: 25 m²
Year: 2021
Photography: InSpace
Project Team: Xiong Aijie, Hou Shaokai, Song Yuzheng, Feng Nanqi, Li Jie, Zou Dejing, Zheng Yu, Zhan Di
Structure Consultants: Yuan Xin, Cai Xinyu, Tao Xinwei
Lighting Designer: Zhang Xu, Liben Design
Construction Drawing: SUPIN
Contractor: Youlongjinsheng
City: Shanghai
Country: China

Birdie Cup Coffee, a 25 m² coffee shop in Shanghai, China, designed by F.O.G. Architecture, is a serene haven amidst the bustling Fengshengli area of West Nanjing Road. Completed in 2021, the shop is strategically located near a metro station, constantly surrounded by pedestrian and vehicular activity. The design transforms this compact urban space into a calming retreat through a blend of glass, metal, and soft curves, creating a transparent, floating aesthetic. The minimalist roof is a critical design element that not only reduces the structural footprint but also enhances the sense of lightness and tranquility, establishing Birdie Cup Coffee as an “emotional landmark” within the city’s dynamic environment.

The design concept revolves around “de-architecture,” employing extensive glass surfaces and matte-finish metal to form a transparent, expansive space dominated by white and grey tones. The curved roof, complemented by warm lighting, softens the otherwise rigid, cold appearance, blending the structure with a gentle atmosphere.

The roof plays a central role in the design. It contributes to the store’s structural aesthetics instead of merely serving as a signage platform. The architects envisioned the roof as “white floating puffs,” providing a soft, airy shelter that contrasts with the space’s metallic elements.

Avoiding any specific associations, the roof’s design encourages visitors to form their interpretations, whether they see clouds, pillows, balloons, or spaceships. This openness aligns with the brand’s name, “Birdie,” and subtly references the digital age, where everything is interconnected in the cloud, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

In collaboration with the engineering team, a C-shaped structure was employed to support the roof, allowing for just one ultra-thin column, thereby enhancing the floating sensation of the space.

The design uses a limited color palette with low saturation, highlighting the free-form design of the windows and facades, which dissolves the boundary between customers and baristas. The thin, oblique pillar adds a dynamic element to the space.

From the overall structure to the finer details, the design strives to balance order and creativity, blending industrial elements with warmth. This micro commercial architecture aims to calm the senses, stimulate the imagination, and offer a momentary escape from the fast pace of city life.