![A modern cafe with a design that includes a dome-shaped ceiling, formed by a grid of wooden beams, in which conceals the space’s lighting.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-grid-wood-ceiling-190821-1203-01.jpg)
Q&A – Quarta & Armando Architecture Design Research has recently completed the Ethai Café in Shanghai, China, and key to the design is a dome-shaped ceiling, formed by a grid of wooden beams, which conceals the space’s lighting.
The designers explain, “This structure defines a vaulted space that feels private yet convivial, like a contemporary interpretation of the primordial hut.”
![A modern cafe with a design that includes a dome-shaped ceiling, formed by a grid of wooden beams, in which conceals the space’s lighting.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-grid-wood-ceiling-190821-1203-02.jpg)
As the Ethai Café offers a fresh take on traditional Thai cuisine, an earthy color and material palette was chosen based on gradients reminiscent of central Thailand’s archaeological sites and lands.
![The nooks and sitting areas of this modern cafe appear to have been carved out of the rammed earth that envelops the facade.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-grid-wood-ceiling-190821-1203-03.jpg)
The nooks and sitting areas of the cafe also appear to have been carved out of the rammed earth that envelops the facade.
![The nooks and sitting areas of this modern cafe appear to have been carved out of the rammed earth that envelops the facade.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-round-wall-accents-190821-1203-04.jpg)
Complementing the earthy colors are the various plants that can be found throughout the cafe.
![The nooks and sitting areas of this modern cafe appear to have been carved out of the rammed earth that envelops the facade.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-curved-banquette-seating-190821-1203-05.jpg)
Here’s a look at the layout of the cafe.
![The layout of a modern cafe.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-cafe-layout-190821-1203-06.jpg)