reflective steel volumes reinterpret the pour-over dripper for kurasu's beijing pop-up pavilion

"Developed for Kyoto-based specialty coffee brand Kurasu, the project translates elements associated with coffee preparation into a pair of architectural volumes that mediate between interior ritual and urban interaction. Located within Taikoo Li Sanlitun, the temporary structure occupies a footprint measuring approximately 8 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width, with a maximum height of 3.5 meters. The design introduces a 'dual vessels' concept derived from the form of Kurasu's signature pour-over dripper, reinterpreting it as two interconnected spatial volumes articulated through folded geometries and lightweight structural expression."

"The larger volume is configured as an inward-facing enclosure that accommodates the and service functions. Its inverted form establishes a contained interior environment while buffering activity from the surrounding street conditions. A central linear organizes circulation and clearly separates customer and service zones within the limited footprint. Subtle wall inclinations increase usable movement space behind the counter while expanding the perceived spatial depth on the customer side."

"In contrast, the smaller volume extends outward through a cantilevered gesture oriented toward the street. Functioning simultaneously as display structure, seating element, and urban interface, the volume creates a transitional zone between the pop-up and the public circulation of Sanlitun. The intervention positions the pavilion as both retail environment and small-scale public installation."

"An operable glass roof introduces environmental responsiveness to the compact structure, accommodating seasonal changes and weather conditions while maintaining visual openness."

A temporary coffee pavilion for Kurasu at Taikoo Li Sanlitun is organized around the geometry of a pour-over dripper. The structure occupies about 8 meters by 3.5 meters with a maximum height of 3.5 meters. A “dual vessels” concept reinterprets the dripper as two interconnected architectural volumes. The larger inward-facing volume contains customer and service functions, using an inverted form, a central linear circulation element, and subtle wall inclinations to improve movement space and perceived depth. The smaller volume cantilevers toward the street, acting as display, seating, and an urban interface that forms a transitional zone. An operable glass roof responds to seasonal and weather conditions while keeping visual openness.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine