ramoprimo designs a scenographic pastry shop in beijing
architecture workshop ramoprimo unveils ‘théATRE’, a tea and pastry shop at sanlitun taikooli, beijing, which is inspired by traditional opera theatres. the background of the set is characterized by curving yellow shapes that fade into the gray, while the waiters walk through the open sides of the shop, entering and exiting as if they were actors crossing the theatrical stage. this scenographic effect is further accentuated by the slight slope of the ceiling dominated by an impressive round coffered skylight.
a “curtain” of seating niches separates the customer space from the service and operations areas
all images by marcella campa, courtesy of ramoprimo
a background wall designed as a theater curtain
the layout of the theater boutique is strongly influenced by traditional opera theatres. every function and display follows a central axis while the bar serves as the main stage, catching the attention of all patrons who sit around it. the back is occupied by yellow curved walls blending into the grey, designed as a curtain that conceals the “technical” rooms: the main kitchen and the cake labs.
two entrances are cut into the left and right sides of the curved walls, defining the openings through which servers enter and exit. the ceiling has a slight inclination, as well as an impressive central skylight, creating the feeling of being under a celestial vault.
the background wall is a yellow scenographic element blending into the gray
ceramic tile artwork enhances the dramatic interior
a long counter in gray artificial stone contains all the main functions of the bar as well as display cases with a wide selection of fresh pastries for customers to choose from. at the back of the bar and just under the skylight is a round table, designed to host cocktail shows and tea ceremonies. along the side walls, two seats on raised platforms evoke the idea of sitting on theater bleachers.
yellow leather is used for all custom built-in benches, while HAY’s loose chairs and stools match the overall color palette. on the main walls, three-dimensional bubbled glossy white ceramic tiles dotted with site-specific artwork by artist duo INSTANT HUTONG, resembling circular blue portholes towering above the sky.
the large round coffered skylight is the main feature of the ceiling
the scenographic effect of perspective is accentuated by the slight inclination of the ceiling
bespoke benches and seats on raised platforms evoke the idea of sitting on theater stalls
the color palette is defined by hues of yellows, grays and whites
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the curved end of the counter will host cocktail parties and tea-making ceremonies
the side walls, covered in glossy white ceramic bubble tiles, are dotted with site-specific artwork by artist duo INSTANT HUTONG
the impressive round backlit skylight accentuates the dramatic theatrical effect of the space
the scenographic qualities and the dynamic movement are also found in the facade of the shop
isometric view
layout plan inspired by traditional opera theaters
project info:
Last name: theater
architecture agency : ramoprimo | @ramoprimostudio
main architects: marcella campa, stefano avesani
group project: zhao xinyi, giacomo squaquara, wang wenwen, huoran
site: sanlitun taikooli, beijing
region: 200 m²
designboom received this project from our ‘DIY Submissions‘, where we invite our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | design boom
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