![A modern cafe and bar with a wood exterior, outdoor seating, and large windows.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-bar-121020-1053-01.jpg)
Architecture and interior design practice Various Associates, has designed the C² Cafe & Bar in Shenzhen, China, that was created as a place for young urbanites to relax.
![A modern cafe and bar with a wood exterior and outdoor seating.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-bar-121020-1053-02.jpg)
Taking “Cabin in the City” as their inspiration, Various Associates created a distinctive wood cabin that’s located in the concrete jungle, with outdoor seating, exterior lighting, and concrete planters.
![A modern cafe and bar with a wood exterior, outdoor seating, and concrete planters.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-bar-outdoor-seating-121020-1053-03.jpg)
The wood from the exterior carries through to the interior, where there’s a kitchen, a bar counter, a public seating area, and an independent private room.
![A modern cafe and bar with a wood interior, banquette seating, and a silver art installation.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-interior-grey-yellow-121020-1054-04.jpg)
Banquette seating runs along the wall of the cafe, while bright yellow tabletops add some color to the interior.
![A modern cafe and bar with a wood interior, banquette seating, and bright yellow tables.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-interior-grey-yellow-121020-1054-05.jpg)
Above the bar, there’s a hanging silver oval art installation that not only breaks the fixed, conventional pattern of the interior but also injects a futurist feeling into it. The mirror-like surface reflects the surroundings and shows a micro world.
![A modern cafe and bar with a wood interior, that also features a silver art installation hanging above the bar.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/modern-wood-cafe-bar-interior-121020-1054-06.jpg)
Here’s a closer look at the lighting that’s featured through the design. It’s used to create a soft and welcoming glow at night.
![Round lights add visual interest to the exterior of a wood cafe and bar.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/cafe-lighting-121020-1054-07.jpg)