UFO Doughnut: A Playful Café That’s Out of This World
UFO Doughnut designed by Spacecraft is not just a doughnut shop—it’s a heartfelt, hyper-stylized destination created by Tai and Mint, two passionate makers who believe a single bite of their handmade brioche-style doughnuts should deliver comfort, nostalgia, and delight. With roots in American classics and a flair for visual storytelling, UFO Doughnut offers a new kind of café experience in the heart of Bangkok.
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To match their bold vision, the design was led by Spacecraft Co., Ltd., who transformed a narrow two-story building in Sathorn into a dynamic, color-forward space that balances production efficiency with photo-worthy interiors. In this Q&A, the Spacecraft team shares how they brought the UFO world to life—one beam, bubblegum bench, and blue stairwell at a time.
What was the concept behind UFO Doughnut, and how did it shape the design direction?
Tai and Mint wanted UFO Doughnut to feel nostalgic and futuristic all at once—a place where people could enjoy comfort food with a sense of fun, color, and craft. The brand identity, built around playful alien characters and bold colors like bubblegum pink and ultramarine blue, drove the mood of the interiors. Our goal was to reflect their creativity and passion in the space—from the materials to the flow—so customers would feel like they’re stepping into a mini doughnut spaceship.
How did you approach the layout across the café’s two narrow floors?
The building is just 6 meters wide, so we had to be strategic. The first floor is designed for speed: a walk-in POS area and open doughnut kitchen at the back, where Tai and Mint make the doughnuts fresh daily. We kept it clean and open so customers could see the action.
The second floor is where the full experience unfolds. Seating is divided into distinct zones, including a standout box-style bench seating area at the back, which feels like a room within a room. It gives customers a surprise—an unexpected, intimate spot that contrasts the bright, playful surroundings.
Tell us about the staircase—it’s such a statement piece.
We wanted the transition between floors to be a WOW moment. So we designed the staircase entirely in ultramarine blue, one of the brand’s core colors. It’s accented with continuous LED lighting that wraps from the wall up onto the ceiling, making it feel immersive and energetic. It’s a highly photogenic space—perfect for café hoppers and Instagram moments—and it visually connects the two floors with brand identity and mood.
What materials and design choices help set UFO apart from the surrounding city context?
The site is surrounded by typical shophouses and high-rise offices, so we wanted the building to stand out without relying on traditional glass or signage. The façade is clad in grey ventilation blocks, which give a tactile, modern-industrial look and make the store pop visually.
Inside, we used bubblegum pink and ultramarine blue sparingly but effectively—on the H-beam columns, counters, and loose furniture—to bring playful energy without overwhelming the space. These accents balance the otherwise minimal palette and emphasize brand personality in a fun, confident way.
How did graphic design contribute to the spatial identity of the project?
We collaborated closely with graphic designer Tanapoom Pornanong, who developed UFO’s entire visual identity—including the logo, signage, and an original cast of characters: Kyle, Grandma Millie, Papa Alan, Mom Michelle, and Little Sister Kelly. These quirky characters give the brand a lighthearted backstory that appeals to all ages.
Integrating that graphic world into the space made the experience feel cohesive—from the packaging to the staircase to the seating layout. It all tells the story of a joyful, slightly otherworldly doughnut mission.
What do you hope people feel when they visit UFO Doughnut for the first time?
We hope people feel curious, delighted, and inspired—not just by the doughnuts, which really are exceptional, but by the space and the brand energy. It’s meant to feel different from anything else in the city: fast and friendly downstairs, immersive and surprising upstairs. For everyday regulars and weekend café explorers alike, UFO offers something that feels “out of this world”—just like Tai and Mint dreamed.
Project Credits:
- Project: UFO Doughnut
- Interior Architect: Spacecraft Co., Ltd.
- Graphic Designer: Tanapoom Pornanong
- Location: Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand
- Project Area: 100 SQ.M.
- Project Year: 2022
- Photography: Thanapol Jongsiripipat
- Contact: [email protected]
