Architecture that Enjoys Imperfection

A design studio TOUCH Architect unveiled a French patisserie "French Kitsch III". Apart from being a specialized French patisserie, the owner’s love for French bulldogs also comes as brand identity, portraying a playful yet elegant image to the cafe. The design aims to enhance this image together with the concept of ‘Kitsch’, a form of art that appreciates imperfection through architecture elements and materials, which refers to an imperfect shape of ‘croissant’.

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

The French cathedral is taken as a primary reference to the design, where rhythmic arches are developed. Instead of symmetrical arches, imperfect arches of different scales are used. The design started from a perfect rectangular mass, rendered imperfect by carving out imperfect arches on the first level and inverted imperfect arches on the second level. On the first floor, these arches embrace visitors with their antique yet modern looks, creating shadows along the path. When light passes through the arched window, it creates reflections on the floor, similar to that of cathedral glass. The oversized, imperfect arch also creates a continuous space from the counter to the second floor, highlighting the full-function counter, allowing it to be seen from both floors. On the second floor, voids are carved into the inverted curves, allowing sunlight to enter while acting as a shading device.

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

Photo credit: Metipat Prommomate

By using textured concrete, it strengthens the concept of perfection of imperfection, where the wall is not completely smooth, but it reflects the authenticity of the material which can be beautiful by itself. Moreover, by using concrete as the main material, the furniture, decorations, and LED lights are made outstanding, emphasizing the imperfect arch curves within the tunnel space, creating a strong memorable image of the cafe.

TOUCH Architect

TOUCH Architect, founded in 2014 by architects Setthakarn Yangderm and Parpis Leelaniramol, is a design studio based in Bangkok. It evolved from a mini studio into a company with a great promise, and its founders collaborate with teams in design, construction, and management. Their work focuses on basic human needs, together with cultural sensitivity, environmental concern, and contextual experimentation, with an aesthetic of sustainability architecture. Ordinary structures and simple materials are used to form an architecture, as well as to create functional and practical dwellings.