Designed by local studio FOG Architecture, the Cycle Cycle Mobile Bakehouse in Hangzhou, China, features walls constructed from stacks of grain sacks. The pop-up cafe and bakery emerged in response to Shanghai's Covid-19 lockdown, aiming to revitalize public space through food exploration. Read more below on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
FOG Architecture drew inspiration from rural barns for the Mobile Bakehouse, crafting a modular timber structure that can be swiftly disassembled and transported via truck between cities.
Zheng Yu, partner at FOG Architecture characterized the structure as a "deployable food device" designed to influence the flow of urban public spaces."The opening of the shop unfolds like a performance dynamically altering the street environment and enticing passersby with the aroma of freshly baked bread" he elaborated.
Assembly and Community Involvement
Once transported, the Cycle Cycle Mobile Bakehouse is assembled with a wooden framework and filled with progressively smaller grain sacks.
Passers-by are invited to join in this construction, a key aspect of the "performative moment" as envisioned by FOG Architecture.
Pavilion Features and Design
The pavilion features extendable bamboo canopies with curtained edges for seating and a serving hatch.
A small ladder adds a rustic touch, while FOG Architecture designed low chairs inspired by rural furniture.
Design Inspiration
The project feature low chairs which are typical in rural settings for easy ground access and handling crops.
They evoke memories of rural work and life.