Sweet Brutalism

Northmos Studio has designed the FengCha outlet in SOHO Ipoh with a design style called Brutalism. The cafe displays the style of simple, block-like structures with bare building materials. The idea behind the cafe design is to give patrons a welcome sense of comfort and privacy while they enjoy their treats.

The dark colour palette for the walls created with the wide use of rough cement naturally made the interior dimmer in which the designers counterbalance it with strategically-placed lighting fixtures that highlight the intricacy of its design features.

The iconic portraits of the singers from the ’60s and the ’90s that fill up the entrance add character to the space.

It is an Instagram worthy sight with the light bulb extending from the metal rods that jut out of the pillars.

The stretch of wall from the entrance to the other end resembles old wine cart boxes accompanied by spotlights hanging overhead that accentuates the cafe’s soothing ambience.

The cafe’s brutalist elements such as angular walls and geometric stark are further expressed with the use of hexagon tiles at the counter-flowing down merging with the cement flooring.

The cafe ornate features include modern unique pieces of furniture with a splash of bright colours. The whole design is crafted to ensure that the customers have a memorable time and experience in Feng Cha.

Words by Elizabeth Dass