Grand Budapest Café After traveling around the world to search for inspiration Zhong Jingwen decided to open her very own café in her hometown. And she found it in Wes Andersen’s movie: “I like the colors and elements in GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL.
The main idea was to create an Instagram-friendly space, where everyone is welcome. Biasol began by understanding Anderson’s style: his symmetrical, precise and quirky set designs; vivid and nostalgic color palettes; and the sentiment that infuses his films. He tends towards one-point perspectives and peering down from above; gives attention to the edges of a set as much as the middle; and frames stories with proscenium arches. Modern, minimalist and refreshing interpretation is defined by design, materiality, and brand.
The building façade projects a sense of grandeur with an arch framing the entrance and welcoming patrons to The Budapest Café. Once inside, customers are invited to engage with the physical design of the café, much like a stage set for patrons to play out their own story. Layers, elevations and design features encourage customers to explore the space.
A mezzanine level provides a view from above; symmetrical arches frame recessed seating and shelving; and stairs and steps lead upstairs, lead nowhere, and are integrated into shelving, fireplaces and the long marble bar.
The Grand Budapest Café was designed to feel feminine, light and fun, despite its loftiness and exposed structure. A pink ball pool, neon signage and original Eero Aarnio Bubble chair inspire playfulness, and the bathrooms surprise with speckled pink terrazzo to complement and contrast with the nostalgic-green hues of the café.“I wanted to open a cafe that is the best for taking pictures. Everyone loves beautiful things, I love them too. And I just want to do what I love. Our main customers are young girls, who also look beautiful things everywhere.”
