% Arabica Hangzhou MixC by Nguyen Khai Architects & Associates (NKAA)

Strategically positioned at the main entrance of The MixC in Hangzhou, the new % Arabica store occupies a highly visible and dynamic corner within one of the city’s landmark retail and lifestyle destinations. The MixC is renowned for its diverse mix of international brands, curated lifestyle experiences, and vibrant urban energy, making it a prime location for a flagship café that combines global recognition with local engagement. The placement of % Arabica at this prominent access point ensures that the storefront naturally captures the flow of foot traffic, inviting visitors into a welcoming and easily accessible space as they explore the mall. By situating the store at this key intersection of circulation, the design integrates seamlessly with the broader commercial and social environment, balancing visibility, identity, and experiential quality.

Façade Design and Visual Identity

The store’s exterior immediately commands attention through a striking, tall façade lined with hundreds of rotatable Chemex plates, arranged in both solid and outlined forms. These plates are meticulously positioned to form a dynamic and constantly shifting pattern that interacts with sunlight, shadow, and the movement of passersby. The result is an exterior that is not static but alive, producing a continuous play of light and texture throughout the day. This rhythmic façade composition achieves multiple objectives: it establishes a strong, instantly recognizable brand identity for % Arabica, introduces a sense of scale and texture that softens the visual mass of the building, and creates a subtle connection between the physical architecture and the fluidity of human movement in the surrounding plaza.

The façade acts as a living canvas, transforming ordinary retail frontage into a sensory experience that engages both sight and perception. Passersby experience subtle variations in light, shadow, and texture, creating an evolving visual narrative that enhances the brand’s presence while anchoring the store firmly within its urban context. By referencing the iconic Chemex coffee brewing method in the material palette, the design strengthens the café’s identity and communicates the essence of % Arabica’s philosophy before visitors even step inside.

Spatial Organization and Interior Layout

Entering the store, visitors are guided along a tunnel-like interior defined by two bold gate structures extending outward from the original façade. These sculptural elements, unified in material and tone, create a clear architectural rhythm, directing circulation while establishing a sense of anticipation and engagement. The tunnel design fosters a fluid transition from exterior to interior, encouraging visitors to move naturally through the space while experiencing the café as both a retail and social environment.

The interior layout emphasizes both interaction and pause. Central to the design is the kitchen counter, positioned at the tunnel’s end and framed by two rows of custom-designed benches. This arrangement encourages direct engagement with baristas and the coffee-making process while supporting socialization and contemplation. Soft pools of light from the Chemex Lamps overhead highlight key zones and provide a warm, welcoming glow, reinforcing the continuity between architectural design and brand narrative.

Throughout the store, careful attention to materiality and texture enhances the sensory experience. Warm wood tones, clean lines, and subtle detailing create a space that is both contemporary and inviting. Custom shelving and display elements reinforce the brand’s identity while providing functional support for merchandise and coffee-related products.

Indoor-Outdoor Continuity

A key design strategy is the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces. Outdoor seating continues the same visual language and material palette as the interior, ensuring coherence across the store’s footprint. Planters and generous layers of greenery soften the architectural edges and introduce a natural, restorative presence, complementing the carefully considered lighting and materiality inside. This thoughtful landscaping transforms the storefront into a calm, inviting environment, encouraging visitors to linger, enjoy coffee, and connect with the surroundings. Whether engaging in quiet reflection or social gatherings, the outdoor space enhances the overall experience of the café, blurring the boundaries between architecture, landscape, and human activity.

Brand Expression and Experiential Design

% Arabica Hangzhou MixC embodies a holistic approach to architectural storytelling, where every design element reinforces the brand’s ethos of quality, craft, and sensory engagement. From the dynamic façade to the tunnel-inspired interior, the spatial and material decisions are guided by a desire to create immersive, memorable experiences for visitors. The store not only functions as a café and retail space but also serves as a stage for social interaction, relaxation, and brand discovery, reflecting the contemporary expectations of retail environments as hybrid social hubs.

The integration of visual rhythm, tactile materials, and carefully choreographed lighting ensures that each visit feels unique and engaging, with architectural elements subtly guiding movement, focus, and pause. By combining sculptural expression, functional planning, and brand storytelling, the project transforms the café into an urban landmark within the MixC, where architecture and commerce coexist harmoniously.

Conclusion

Nguyen Khai Architects & Associates (NKAA) have created a flagship store for % Arabica that transcends conventional café design. By integrating dynamic façade systems, a tunnel-inspired interior, thoughtful material choices, and seamless indoor-outdoor continuity, the project delivers a holistic, immersive experience for visitors. The design successfully balances brand identity, functional performance, and sensory delight, establishing % Arabica Hangzhou MixC as both a retail destination and architectural landmark.

Through its inventive use of form, texture, and light, the store exemplifies how architectural design can enhance brand experience, enrich public space, and foster meaningful engagement in a bustling urban environment. By blending artistic expression, spatial clarity, and experiential quality, NKAA demonstrates the potential for contemporary retail architecture to inspire, captivate, and connect with its audience.

Photography: Guowei Liu