AODA Design’s Vision for COFFEE: STAND UP – Where Design Meets Ritual
In the heart of Taipei’s Xinyi District, COFFEE: STAND UP by AODA Design reimagines the café experience, blending a fast-paced urban lifestyle with a refined yet inviting space. Known for their ability to merge nostalgia with contemporary design, AODA Design has crafted an environment that encourages both interaction and introspection.
With a unique stand-up coffee bar concept, the space challenges traditional café norms while celebrating the communal spirit of coffee culture. Through a thoughtful interplay of materials, form, and light, COFFEE: STAND UP offers a design-driven response to the rhythms of city life, where every detail is meant to enhance the experience of a simple yet cherished ritual—enjoying a cup of coffee.
Photography by Dayform Studio, Published with bowerbird
Can you tell us about the origins of AODA Design? What inspired you to start your design practice, and how has it evolved over the years?
AODA Design originates from our love and nostalgia for old homes. We aim to embody both the past and the present within our spaces, finding the position and context of contemporary design by integrating styles and materials from both eras.
What was the inspiration behind the concept of COFFEE: STAND UP? How did you approach designing a space that aligns with the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of life in Taipei?
In the fast-paced city of Taipei, COFFEE: STAND UP aims to create a comfortable environment for enjoying coffee amid the quick pace of life, creating a personal coffee moment and space. With this foundation, we reversed the conventional concept by making the standing area quite refined while leaving the seating area as open as possible to emphasize the importance of standing and drinking.
The stand-up coffee bar concept is quite unique. What design challenges did you face in creating a space that encourages this form of interaction, and how did you resolve them?
COFFEE: STAND UP originally combined two locations in different areas of Taipei. Both had regular customers with familiar faces. Each of the two stores had its character and style. In merging them, we wanted to preserve the original elements and emotions customers loved, which was the most challenging aspect. We maintained certain materials and colors, integrating the bar and standing area to make it comfortable for returning customers to chat and share with the owners, which is a precious experience.
The use of curvilinear forms, like the counter, seems central to the design. How do you see this flowing, sculptural approach influencing how people use and experience the space?
The flowing curves guide people upon entering, gently defining the areas without needing visual cues. We hope this design reflects the café’s standout offering: cappuccino, which is smooth yet full of character.
Materials like marble, zinc-plated metal, and wood play a key role in the overall aesthetic. How did you decide on this combination, and what effect do you think it has on the customer experience?
We love expressing spaces through contrasting materials while incorporating intentional white space to allow these elements to blend. Through this contrast, we aim to showcase a refined yet raw appearance from the user’s perspective, sparking curiosity about the space and its experiences.
How does the use of reflective surfaces, such as the zinc-plated sheets, and the interplay of light contribute to the atmosphere of COFFEE: STAND UP?
Here, we use zinc metal as a reflective ceiling fixture. This allows people sipping coffee to see a subtle reflection, connecting them to their experience of enjoying coffee. The reflection lets them observe what they are doing, softens the light, and beautifully disguises the existing pipes in the ceiling.
In what ways did you aim to balance urban chic elements with natural textures and colors, such as the viridian green and earthy browns, to create a harmonious space?
Previous store selections partly inspired the color and elements. We also wanted to incorporate the essence of coffee—a perfect fruit brought to the city through natural growth to invigorate the spirit. We continuously tested and utilized subtraction during the selection process, much like refining elements to achieve perfect harmony.
Since opening, how have you observed people using and interacting with the space? Have you seen any behaviors or trends that you didn’t anticipate in the original design?
We’ve returned multiple times and discovered that communication among people in this space is much more excellent than we initially imagined. Customers at the bar chat with the We’ves but also interact with those seated; the walkway bridges the divide, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to lower their boundaries. As a result, we’ve made many friends here, turning it into a comfortable gathering place that provides a wonderful sense of belonging amid the hustle and bustle.
