![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table, Chair, Facade, Patio](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be8e/e58e/ce83/5000/00d0/newsletter/_DWP0427-X.jpg?1480048263)
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Architects: Lukstudio
- Area: 250 m²
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Photographs:Dirk Weiblen
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Manufacturers: Paustian
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Image 6 of 36](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bf07/e58e/ce93/1c00/0079/newsletter/_DWP0612x.jpg?1480048385)
Text description provided by the architects. Located in a residential neighborhood next to the Tianhe district in central Guangzhou, Atelier Peter Fong by Lukstudio revives an empty corner lot into both an office and a cafe. Through a series of clean white volumes, the design purifies the existing chaotic site to create a calm yet inviting atmosphere.
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Windows, Facade, Courtyard](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bde2/e58e/ce93/1c00/006e/newsletter/_DWP0067-X.jpg?1480048091)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bd8b/e58e/ce93/1c00/006a/newsletter/%E7%AB%8B%E9%9D%A2%E5%9B%BE.jpg?1480048004)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bdd6/e58e/ce83/5000/00c9/newsletter/_DWP0045x.jpg?1480048080)
From the outside, a floating aluminum canopy connects the volumes together, while delineating between the old and the new. Three boxes stick out from the interior, composing a coherent façade while creating areas in-between like urban alleys that draw people in from the street. Each box contains a distinct program; café, brainstorming area, meeting room and a break-out lounge. In contrast to the pristine forms, the voids are painted gray and left with the original structural ceiling.
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table, Chair, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be46/e58e/ce83/5000/00ce/medium_jpg/_DWP0270-X.jpg?1480048187)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bf37/e58e/ce93/1c00/007b/medium_jpg/_DWP0637x.jpg?1480048430)
Following a process of meticulous spatial carving, openings and niches are shaped within the volumes. Large cut-outs connect the café to the exterior and frame the surrounding greenery. On the inside, white ceiling pockets and wooden niches create a sense of intimacy. The office entry is also carved at its edge to feature a peaceful Zen garden, which becomes a focal point and visually connects the different parts of the office together.
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bef1/e58e/ce93/1c00/0078/newsletter/_DWP0575x.jpg?1480048362)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Windows, Facade, Courtyard](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be03/e58e/ce83/5000/00cb/newsletter/_DWP0106x.jpg?1480048124)
The selection of materials further enhances the pure definition of the spaces. Smooth surfaces such as white walls and terrazzo flooring dominate the main space, serving as a canvas to capture light and shadow. The brainstorming box is lined with polycarbonate panels that form a subtle visual connection between the café and the workplace. Intimate areas are characterized by organic elements; such as continuous timber panels in the brainstorming zone and remnants of an existing brick wall in the lounge.
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be66/e58e/ce93/1c00/0073/medium_jpg/_DWP0348-X.jpg?1480048220)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be35/e58e/ce83/5000/00cd/medium_jpg/_DWP0264-X.jpg?1480048170)
Combining artisanal café culture with a collaborative co-working space, Atelier Peter Fong adapts a contemporary social model to a local Chinese neighborhood. The complete transformation of a forgotten site into a destination demonstrates how architectural interventions can activate the streetscape and enhance nearby communities.
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bf1e/e58e/ce93/1c00/007a/newsletter/_DWP0631-X.jpg?1480048407)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Image 30 of 36](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/bd95/e58e/ce83/5000/00c6/newsletter/%E5%B9%B3%E9%9D%A2%E5%9B%BE.jpg?1480048015)
![In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong / Lukstudio - Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5837/be72/e58e/ce83/5000/00cf/newsletter/_DWP0369x.jpg?1480048235)