FRENCH KITSCH III, Perfection Born From Imperfection

Developed from the building’s function as a cafe serving French patisseries, TOUCH Architects created French Kitsch III, which adopted the croissant shape and applied numerous arches inspired by the French cathedrals. Situated in the Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand, this building grabs people's attention with its unique form and serves a different experience of drinking coffee. 

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

Living up to its name, the design concept of the building is taken from two words, “French” representing the building's identity as a cafe serving French patisseries, and “Kitsch” representing an art concept that celebrates imperfection through architectural elements and materials. This “French” concept was then poured onto the building by presenting the arches taken from the French cathedrals which can revive the experience of exploring the antique spaces. Meanwhile, the “kitsch” concept is painted through the asymmetrical building’s shape with several parts that look like have been cut out or curved out adapted from the half-cut croissant shape. Those arches are arranged onto the building and combined with other arches which creates a perfect design regardless of their imperfection shapes.

FRENCH KITSCH III Concept Design (cr: TOUCH Architect) 

When the visitors arrive in front of the cafe, they will be welcomed by arches, huge columns, and massive walls that make it look antique yet modern. These arches and walls stand out from the first to the second floor complete with arches and big windows on several parts of the building which let in the natural light to the building. Not only applied on walls and windows but the ceiling is also designed with arch shapes so all of the customers can enjoy the beauty of these arch shapes on the whole rooms. The arches on this building not only enhance the aesthetic but also create a spacious room.

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

Keeping its adaptation of the croissant shape, the exterior and interior walls are made from unfinished concrete material which shows the stripes pattern from the natural textures of concrete which represents the numerous layers inside the croissant. These concrete walls have their beauty which is born from the material itself, proving that perfection can be made from imperfection. By applying this concept, this building is not only becoming an architectural marvel but also a unique art creation that provides unforgettable experiences on every side of the building.

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

FRENCH KITSCH III by TOUCH Architect (cr : Metipat Prommomate x Anan Naruphantawat)

First Floor (cr : TOUCH Architect)

Second Floor (cr: TOUCH Architect)