Thomas Heatherwick, the designer of the UK Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo, London Paddington Basin movable art Rolling Bridge and the forthcoming 2012 London Olympic cauldron was invited to take part in the Pacific Place project. Using a garden atmospheric theme, the glasshouse exterior is built upon the notion of aerodynamics. The clever use of natural stones allows light to penetrate through, while bringing out the sense of nature. The interior features natural materials such as pale wooden floor boards, granite desktops and is rounded off with specially selected seats. To finish off the design, a glass counter located at the center of the café displays a selection of food. Located at the heart of a busy piazza, the café’s balcony is purposely constructed to face the mall as a final touch to the designer’s concept.

The open kitchen allows customers to see the freshly prepared ingredients and the production process, and a minimal use of olive oil and dressings are used on the different variety of vegetarian salads. When ordering a freshly made sandwich, the bread is specially baked for longer period of time to enhance its natural taste and texture. The choices of fillings include Parma ham, bacon and egg, salami and cheese, etc. ensuring the most authentic flavors. The café also offers a selection of hot soup, Danish pastries, croissants and English muffins, different types of Italian coffee, beer, red and white wine. The paper packaging for takeaways uses 100% biodegradable materials and the patterns on the business cards can be assembled into flower shapes, altogether showing the thoughtfulness of the design.

Text: Vincent Lau | Translation: Elibe Wong
Photo: Anthony Chan

THE PETIT CAFE
Shop 407, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
+852 2918 9293

www.maxconcepts.com.hk