Coffee Law-Crystallization Temporal Cafe / CPD Interiors

Architects: CPD interiors
Area: 133 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Han image studio
Lead Architects: Wang Wei-Cheng
Category: Renovation, Coffee Shop Interiors
Lead Team: CPD interiors
Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Coffee Law-Crystallization Temporal Cafe pop-up project by CPD Interiors in a soon-to-be-demolished building demonstrates a strategy of urban regeneration through deconstruction and adaptive reuse. Completed as part of a 136-day intervention, the project applies exposed building materials and recyclable steel units to integrate with the raw, transitional environment. Crystallization is used as a visual and conceptual device to express the temporal and shifting state of the site, reflecting urban transformation through sharp angles, reflective surfaces, and cold textures. Coffee Law aimed to align the act of drinking coffee with the theme of urban change, using the temporary space to support community engagement. The interior setup avoids comfort in favor of mobility and convenience, using standing counters and portable chairs to prioritize movement and interaction with the surrounding exhibition. Fully recyclable steel units were chosen to allow fast assembly, disassembly, and reuse. The project reclaims an abandoned structure by transforming it into a public venue, highlighting the role of temporary architecture in revitalizing urban memory and addressing the ephemeral nature of contemporary cities.

Coffee law-crystallization temporal cafe / cpd interiors

The three-month pop-up cafe occupies a gutted building that is scheduled for demolition. The design employs deconstruction as a method, integrating basic construction materials to blend with the building’s rough, deteriorated surroundings. This approach results in both time and cost efficiency. Moreover, the use of sustainable materials and the adaptive reuse of the space serve as a model for urban regeneration. The deconstruction marks the initial phase of the project. Reflections appearing on various surfaces from different angles produce a crystallization effect, evoking the visual dynamics of urban transformation and highlighting the transitional condition of the site.

The client, Coffee Law, intended to link the act of drinking coffee with the surrounding urban regeneration exhibition. In collaboration with the Lienyu Group, they activated the idle building prior to its demolition, while simultaneously engaging with the local community. The project was designed to illustrate the transitional phase of the broader urban regeneration effort; for this reason, crystallization was selected as the guiding visual concept. The angular forms produced by small steel units, the sharp, minimal appearance of the lighting elements, and the material reflections throughout the space collectively evoke associations with the fleeting and cold imagery of a snowflake.

The selection of recyclable steel units was driven by the project’s deconstructive approach. This material choice highlights the exposed structural framework, showcases adaptability, and supports the goal of establishing a sustainable circular economy. Patched cement walls, along with visible steel and brick elements, reflect the underlying construction of the site. The intervention is designed to integrate with the existing urban landscape and establish continuity between the building and the exhibition. Materials such as the steel counter, cement walls, and light tubes were intentionally chosen to convey a cold, coarse surface quality. Hazard tape organizes the spatial layout, signals the project’s temporary status, and serves as a design reference for one of the brand’s signature products. The use of sharp angles, reflective elements, and an ice-like brushed steel countertop contributes to the theme of crystallization, symbolizing the city’s energy in a moment of transition, reminiscent of the restrained stillness at the end of an era. This aesthetic direction aligns closely with the cafe brand’s identity of being “fast and fashionable.”

The coffee brand has established a presence throughout the city by offering varied coffee-drinking experiences. At this particular location, which forms part of an urban regeneration exhibition, the focus shifts from the coziness found in its other branches to an emphasis on convenience and mobility. A raised counter positioned at the entrance beneath the lighting fixtures, along with a high ceiling, encourages customers to stand while drinking their coffee. The seating area, furnished with lightweight folding chairs, evokes the atmosphere of an outdoor campsite and supports the use of the space for events. Smaller tables and rigid chairs prompt visitors to remain mobile and engage with the fading context of the site. The seating arrangement is primarily intended for brief stops, inviting guests to experience the exhibition rather than pause solely for coffee.

The aesthetic concept is designed to evoke a light, restrained, and fading atmosphere, while the renovation strategy follows principles of circular economics. The project originates from ideas centered on change and the future, raising the question of what will happen to the site once the building reaches the end of its limited lifespan. Fully recyclable steel was selected as the primary material to enable fast dismantling. Rather than being discarded, the material is intended to be reused and repurposed. The 12×12 cm steel units are designed for easy assembly and disassembly. These layered elements symbolically reflect the structural composition of the building. Despite its short-term nature, the project serves as a model for sustainable practice, relying on a cycle of assembly, disassembly, and locally sourced materials. The unit-based construction allows for efficient management of the build process and fulfills the client’s requirement for completion within the 136-day timeframe. The components can later contribute to future sustainable urban development efforts.

Cities are constantly evolving, and the crucial factor lies in how those changes are perceived. This project counters abandonment with active intervention by converting an unused building into both a cafe and an exhibition space. Through the use of mottled cement and cracked bricks, it reintroduces energy and presence to the site. The intention is for the space to benefit the local community and contribute to the broader dialogue on urban regeneration.