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UNO ONCE COFFEE
Hidden away in the alleys of Zhongshan District, Taipei, far from the bustling streets, UNO ONCE COFFEE stands as an oasis in the city, exuding a tranquil and unhurried atmosphere. Here, visitors can't help but slow down, pausing to quietly take in their surroundings. Every moment at this café reveals different aspects of its natural elements, inviting a mindful appreciation of the people, events, and environment that make this place unique.
Having visited Dubai, the owner was captivated by the leisurely ambiance of the local coffee shops. He observed diners comfortably leaning on sofas and steps within the cafés, enjoying a break from their daily routines in a relaxed and unrestrained manner. This enchanting scene inspired him deeply. Consequently, he shared his vision with designer Asher, expressing a desire to bring this pleasant atmosphere back to his own country. This led to the establishment of a unique coffee shop in an old corner building, where they aimed to recreate that same sense of ease and enjoyment.
Firstly, the designer painted the exterior walls of the café in a sunset-like earthy orange, symbolizing a warm welcome to all visitors. The wall displays the brand’s philosophy: "Unique Space, Unique Spirit, Unique Ritual." Stepping into the rare outdoor courtyard in Taipei, the gravel-covered ground and several large cacti create an instant sense of being in an Arabian oasis. To enhance space efficiency and natural light, large floor-to-ceiling reinforced glass panels replaced the original solid walls, creating a sense of visual transparency. A stainless steel bar counter horizontally spans the glass, serving as a spatial scale that seamlessly extends the room's dimensions. This clever design also forms two distinct pathways for entry and exit, facilitating convenient food delivery between the interior and exterior areas. A square opening in the outdoor dining area’s ground offers a glimpse into a hidden, intriguing lower level. Natural light floods the mysterious underground space through a skylight, balancing the ambiance. It’s said that at specific times of the day, light projects a rainbow onto the underground floor, providing a delightful surprise and a touch of joy.
Asher preserved the building's original natural textures, coating the walls with desert-like earthy colors. By leaving adequate white space, the design allows the space to breathe. The cool tones of the stainless steel bar and furniture create a visual contrast with the warm colors, forming a tranquil corner amidst the bustling city. Given the site conditions, the layout delineates functional boundaries: the first-floor seating arrangements vary between indoor and outdoor areas. The basement space, furnished with long tables, provides a quiet environment conducive to focused work and can flexibly transform into a private event venue. The outdoor area and the long benches in the lower level are treated with a special painting technique, creating a seamless integration with the walls. This contrasts with the soft decorative pillows, recreating the lazy ambiance of Abu Dhabi.
UNO ONCE COFFEE 源自西班牙語所延伸的命名，在西班牙語「UNO」為數字「1」，「ONCE」為數字「11」，於是便將這三個「1」轉譯為品牌訴求的三個唯一，貫穿空間精神元素的語彙，由故事化作字體，字句轉化色彩，無形昇華有形，聚合成黃金三角，從品牌 Logo 到座位椅面的細微元素，傳達著業主和設計師的意念，賦予空間靈性，儀式感順應而生，使人們專注於每個當下，體會每個精彩片段。
UNO ONCE COFFEE takes its name from Spanish, where "UNO" means the number "1" and "ONCE" means the number "11." This concept of three "1"s is translated into the brand's core values of three unique elements, embodying the essence of the space. The narrative is transformed into typography, where words become colors, turning the abstract into the concrete. This forms a golden triangle, symbolized throughout the café from the logo to the intricate details of the seating. This design conveys the owner's and designer's vision, imbuing the space with a spiritual essence. The resulting ambiance fosters a sense of ritual, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the present moment and appreciate each unique experience.
