Forward Cafe Introduction
The aesthetic style of the café shapes the urban streetscape. Originally located near the timber factory in Chiayi City, the blue café stood at the street corner until it moved to the adjacent iron factory at the end of 2021. Partnering with the White Water Design team, the café preserved and deconstructed old elements while incorporating new aesthetics for a reconstruction. Abandoning modular design thinking, it introduced natural raw materials, designer furniture, and artistic painted wall sculptures, creating a dialogue between old and new industrial styles across time to form a unique coffee streetscape in Chiayi. When discussing old houses in Chiayi, most people immediately think of structures like those made from cypress wood. The newly established iron factory café, "Forward Coffee Workshop 2.0," has garnered much attention since its opening due to its impressive scale. Owner Mario said that when he returned to Chiayi to start a business in 2016, he realized that cafés play a vital role in constructing a city’s streetscape; therefore, aesthetic style is essential. With the opportunity to plan a second store, he placed even more importance on this aspect. The original intention of moving into the abandoned iron factory, which had been unused for nearly 30 years, was for baking, teaching, and exhibition purposes. However, due to the impact of the pandemic, the decision was made to merge the café. What remains unchanged is that Forward Coffee 2.0 still insists on "only offering coffee and desserts." Image source: Chiayi City Government Tourism and News Department | Photographer: Margot
