curved yellow walls define theatrical pastry shop interior by ramoprimo in beijing

the background is occupied by bright curved walls, conceived as a theater curtain that conceals the main kitchen and the cake labs.

Marcella Campa edited by myrto katsikopoulou February 16, 2022 3 min

ramoprimo designs scenographic pastry shop in beijing

architecture studio ramoprimo unveils ‘théATRE’, a tea and pastry shop in sanlitun taikooli, beijing, which draws inspiration from traditional opera theaters. the background of the whole setting is characterized by curved yellow forms that fade into grey, while waiters traverse the open sides of the shop, going in and out as they were actors crossing the theatrical stage. this scenographic effect is further accentuated by the slight inclination of the ceiling dominated by a round impressive coffered skylight.

all images by marcella campa, courtesy of ramoprimo

a background wall conceived as a theater curtain

the layout of the théATRE shop is heavily influenced by traditional opera theaters. every function and display follows a central axis while the bar serves as the main acting stage, drawing the attention of all the customers that are sitting around it. the background is occupied by yellow curved walls fading into gray, conceived as a curtain that conceals the ‘technical’ rooms: the main kitchen and the cake labs.

two entrances are cut on the left and the right sides of the curved walls, defining the openings from which waiters go in and out. the ceiling presents a slight inclination, as well as an impressive central skylight, creating the feeling of being under a grant sky vault.

ceramic tile artworks enhance the dramatic interior

a long counter made of grey artificial stone contains all the main bar functions as well as exposed display windows with a wide choice of fresh pastries for customers to select. at the end of the bar and right under the skylight there is a round table, designed to host cocktail shows and tea ceremonies. along the sidewalls, two seating areas on raised platforms evoke the idea of being seated on theater stalls.

yellow leather is used for all customized built-in benches, while loose chairs and stools by HAY match the overall color scheme. on the main walls, white glossy three-dimensional bubble bumped ceramic tiles dotted with site-specific artworks by artists duo INSTANT HUTONG, resembling circular blue portholes overlooking the sky.

curved yellow walls define theatrical pastry shop interior by ramoprimo in beijing - 1 — custom-made benches and seating areas on raised platforms evoke the idea of being seated on theater stalls

curved yellow walls define theatrical pastry shop interior by ramoprimo in beijing - 2 — the color palette is defined by hues of yellows, grays, and whites

the curved end of counter will host cocktail shows and tea making ceremonies side walls, covered with white glossy bubble bumped ceramic tiles, are dotted with site specific artworks by artists duo INSTANT HUTONG the round impressive backlit skylight accentuates the dramatic theatrical effect of the space scenographic qualities and dynamic movement is also shown in the shop façade isometric view layout plan inspired by traditional opera theaters

project info:

name: théATRE
architecture firm: ramoprimo | @ramoprimostudio
lead architects: marcella campa, stefano avesani
project team: zhao xinyi, giacomo squaquara, wang wenwen, huoran

location: sanlitun taikooli, beijing

area: 200 sqm

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.