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Fusing cultures, ancient and modern, the JM Cafe in Beijing enlivens the public realm

Renovated by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, the cafe and bakery reflect its context and uses grey bricks, stone and stainless steel to craft detailed, layered and cohesive spaces.

by Bansari PaghdarPublished on : May 15, 2025

After years of government-led urban renewal initiatives—including the transformation of traditional courtyard houses into active public spaces—the old city zone surrounding the White Pagoda Temple in Beijing, China, is bustling with visitors and is a hub for city walk culture. Among the numerous restaurants and cafes that now populate the Xicheng District, where the White Pagoda Temple is located, JM Cafe, a coffee and bakery shop that overlooks a public square, contributes to enlivening the neighbourhood. Renovated by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, a Beijing-based Japanese architecture practice run by Yoko Fujii and Shuhei Aoyama, the cafe thrives on a unique mix of residential and commercial areas that characterise the urban fabric.

Before and after images of the site where the cafe is now located  | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
Before and after images of the site where the cafe is now located Image: Zhi Xia

The Chinese architects visualised an experiential journey for the hospitality design, which begins as people pass through a hutong (a narrow lane in a traditional residential area of a Chinese city), eventually stumbling upon the vibrant public square. In addition to the ground level, the cafe provides seating on the terrace that, per the design team, "allows people to perceive the city’s pulse during the walking experience."

  • Featuring an active transitional space, the inviting facade foreshadows the prominence of geometric forms that persists within the cafe’s design | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    Featuring an active transitional space, the inviting facade foreshadows the prominence of geometric forms that persists within the cafe’s design Image: Zhi Xia
  • The inter-relationships between the interior and architectural elements formed by materiality and geometry shape a cohesive built environment | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The inter-relationships between the interior and architectural elements formed by materiality and geometry shape a cohesive built environment Image: Zhi Xia

A composite assemblage of cuboidal forms, the facade design commands attention without standing out from its surroundings. The all-encompassing use of grey-toned materials, from bricks and stone to stainless steel, adds a touch of contemporary design against the historical backdrop while visually aligning with the surroundings. The architects used materiality as a spatial and visual distinction device, thoughtfully enveloping architectural elements and surfaces. The stainless steel surface on the facade identifies the kitchen area that extends over the entire volume, finished in a radial gradient—frosted at the corners and mirrored at the centre—reflecting the surrounding public space and attracting passersby. A portion of the facade marked by a large glazed floor-to-ceiling window makes space for an outdoor seating area and doubles as a threshold between the street and the interiors

  • The deepest part of the cafe utilises a skylight to facilitate natural light into the space | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The deepest part of the cafe utilises a skylight to facilitate natural light into the space Image: Zhi Xia
  • The terrace features a combination of built-in and loose furniture, featuring a staggered column that rises as a sculpture in a dialogue with the temple | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The terrace offers views of the bustling public spaces and establishes a dialogue with the White Pagoda Temple Image: Zhi Xia

An array of original wooden columns dominates the outdoors and the indoors, exhibiting a staggered, layered look, subtly segregating the monotonous and continuous seating areas. Featuring flooring and in-built furniture clad in grey stone tiles against the backdrop of grey bricks, the cafe dissolves the boundaries between architecture and interior design. The seating areas feature minimal design interventions that do not take away from the visual impact of the built form, utilising grey cushions to define seats and backrests on solid stone platforms. At the deepest part of the cafe, a skylight draws in natural light, complemented by large plants that bring vibrancy and a visual relief from the otherwise monotonous space. A staircase through the rear door leads the visitors to the terrace, where they can immerse themselves in the rhythmic socio-cultural atmosphere of the neighbourhood. The terrace features a combination of built-in and loose furniture, making the arrangement more flexible than the indoors, with a staggered column that rises as a sculpture, in dialogue with the temple.

  • An irregular fixed glass window is embedded into the wall, highlighting the character of the bricks | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    An irregular fixed glass window is embedded into the wall, highlighting the character of the bricks Image: Zhi Xia
  • The kitchen, display and service counter feature sleek and modern stainless steel furniture, reflecting elements of the facade | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The kitchen, display and service counter feature sleek and modern stainless steel furniture, reflecting elements of the facade Image: Zhi Xia
  • The existing columns are used to create staggering volumes, drawing the attention of the visitors | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The existing columns are used to create staggering volumes, drawing the attention of the visitors Image: Zhi Xia
  • The sturdy columns draw the eyes of the passersby, creating visual depth and inviting them to explore the cafe | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The sturdy columns draw the eyes of the passersby, creating visual depth and inviting them to explore the cafe Image: Zhi Xia

Numerous details in the cafe design contribute to creating a cohesive visual identity. A fixed glass window is embedded into the wall along the narrow alleyway, highlighting the character of the bricks with its asymmetrical geometry that mimics a broken wall, evoking curiosity among the passersby. Frosted acrylic light boxes on the ceiling, detailed with square grids, complement the flooring and amplify the linearity of the space. The kitchen, display and service counter continue the design language of the seating areas, featuring small cuboidal C along with the acrylic boxes. Reflecting elements of the facade, these areas feature sleek and modern stainless steel furniture and maintain the monotonous tones of the interiors.

  • The site in relation to the public square and the ancient White Pagoda Temple | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The site in relation to the public square and the ancient White Pagoda Temple Image: Zhi Xia
  • Ground level plan | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    Ground level plan Image: Zhi Xia
  • Terrace plan | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    Terrace plan Image: Zhi Xia
  • The diagram shows the spatial organisation of the interiors | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRworld
    The diagram shows the spatial organisation of the interiors Image: Zhi Xia

The amalgamation of traditional and contemporary cues resonates from the small details in the cafe to the entire neighbourhood. Despite the similarity in the colour palette of the space and the surrounding public realm, the use of distinct textures and finishes establishes visual and functional hierarchy within the built environment. Through thoughtful spatial layering and streamlined flow of movement, the architects have crafted a contextual design that responds to the historical significance of the site while catering to the modern socio-cultural landscape.

Project Details

Name: JM Café, White Pagoda Temple in Beijing
Location: No.30, Dongcha, Gongmenkou, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
Site Area: 105 sq m
Gross Area: 210 sq m
Year of Completion: 2024

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STIR STIRworld Renovated by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, the JM Cafe and bakery shop establishes a dialogue with the ancient White Pagoda Temple and a public square | JM Cafe | B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | STIRwo

Fusing cultures, ancient and modern, the JM Cafe in Beijing enlivens the public realm

Renovated by B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio, the cafe and bakery reflect its context and uses grey bricks, stone and stainless steel to craft detailed, layered and cohesive spaces.

by Bansari Paghdar | Published on : May 15, 2025