Time Capsule Cafe

Jennifer and Matt were co-founders of Studio AoTu, a design practice based in Shanghai. For this café project, Jennifer served as lead designer and was commissioned to develop a distinctive concept inspired by the idea of a time capsule.

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In response, Jennifer created a design narrative centered on the “machinery of time” at work throughout the space. Levers, pulleys, counterweights, and other elements of balance and mechanical movement were incorporated as recurring visual and spatial motifs. This concept was carried through the café’s lighting, furniture, artwork, and interior detailing, resulting in a cohesive environment that felt both imaginative and carefully crafted.