Mini Cuppa | Shanghai Tea Shop
Traditionally, tea as a drink was mostly consumed by the elder generation in China and mostly popularized by men. Located in a dense new urban area in west Shanghai, Raams’ aspiration is to create an inclusive space for both young and older generations where to meet, relax and drink tea.
Location: Shanghai, China Client: Mini Cuppa Daning Year: 2019 Size: 100 SQM
Modular Block System
A white illustrated square module is chosen by the architects to frame the store, which serves up the popular cheese-capped tea blended with fresh milk and seasonal fruits. We bring back a reinterpretation of the classic block modular system from Frank Lloyd Wright to solve the space with a singular architectural element defining the scale of the shop and creating a flexible and textured architectural interior.
Assembled walls define the space
The blocks are stacked directly atop each other in parallel rows using magnets. The simple assembled system can adapt to future spaces of the brand creating infinite layouts and making each shop to feel similar but new and unique.
Environmental graphic design and visual identity
The use of simbology as a hidden language and art expression is chosen to create visual messages for the visual identity of the brand. More than 400 blocks were illustrated by creative director German Roig, who have hand-drawn unique graphic series of images that represent the human senses and tea motifs.
“Illustrations as an art expression connecting the brand identity to the interiors”
Book-matched pink marble
The layout of the store is planned around a curved central 3,5m length table, inspired by traditional family in the Mediterranean culture, as well as in China, where families and friends often gather together around a large table. In the middle, a customized plant pot with wild greenery brings nature to the space and acts as a semi-transparent visual division, offering a sense of privacy for customers.
Loop-Chair-Loop-Stool
Furnishings of the tea shop were designed and produce by Raams Architecture Studio, this includes the tea tables with marble and mirror tops and the loop-stools and loop-chairs upholstered in vibrant indigo blue fabric. They are minimal, unique & durable pieces with a feminine touch that follow the brand identity.
In larger sizes, the module also extends to the shop front, framing the store with three inner windows. The XL framed façade it is an eye-catching element that attracts people passing by and distinguish Mini Cuppa from their neighbor’s shops.
“The tea shop is an example of multidisciplinary design that blends the languages of graphics, furniture and interior design into the F&B business.”