when RJDL was commissioned to develop a recreational space for greater noida’s dental college in india, the design team decided to utilize recycled shipping containers to create a sustainable yet unconventional structure. the resulting cafe infinity forms a striking image, breaking with the rigidity of the site. the realized building retains the containers’ industrial aesthetic, while inside the interior is a neutral, welcoming place for students, faculty staff and patients alike.

the idea of ‘infinity’ represents the infinite possibilities of using a shipping container as a structural unit

all images courtesy of RJDL

the design by RJDL centers around two courtyards that contain two cafe outlets in the front, two dynamic staircases that serve as seating and provide access to viewing decks, services (toilets) in the central container, seating areas for faculty staff and visitors, and a lounge area for students. the seating area wraps around the courtyard and establishes an ideal viewpoint of the inner courtyards and the outer landscape, which is often utilized for sporting events as well as other activities of the institute.

the landscape balances the industrial nature of the architecture

the organic landscape balances the rigid geometry of the containers and provides fluidity to the site circulation. the large glazed panels of the stairwells visually connects the built form with the outdoors. the landscape complements the industrial nature of the architecture, but also promotes activity, and consequently, brings life to the site.

louvers made of reused shipping container doors on the south elevation minimize heat gain as well as afford privacy from the adjacent hospital

the building is formed using recycled shipping containers – measuring 40 feet in length – that were crafted with careful consideration to preserve the raw and industrial aesthetic. the structure, services and functionality are designed with a focus on sustainability. passive cooling and insulation is provided with the use of 50 mm rockwool insulation, gypsum paneling, fiber cement board for rooftop flooring, tinted windows, mechanical cooling, strategic placement of windows and openings to make the building perfectly adequate in the extreme weather conditions of india.

the first container contains two cafes serving the visitors and the entrance towards the staircase

the core concept behind using the infinity symbol as the layout is to emphasize the infinite possibilities that emerge from using a shipping container as the fundamental structural unit. the versatility and sturdiness of the container makes it affordable and effective, regardless of building site or type. the symbol, when translated to the cafe, stands as an articulate expression of the inherent structural and aesthetic value of the shipping container. RJDL desired that the project reflect the ethos of sustainable innovation – creating new uses and aesthetics in synergy with the environment.

the flexibility, modularity and sustainability makes shipping containers a perfect alternate to the conventional building structures

the façade exhibits playfulness in terms of material, movement and geometry when viewed from different sides

the organic landscape complements the rigid geometry of the containers and provides fluidity to the site circulation

the middle container connects the two courtyards.

the building is formed with the use of recycled shipping containers measuring 40 foot in length

the seating is focused around the courtyard and provides an ideal viewpoint of the inner courtyards

two dynamic staircases serve as seating and provide access to the viewing decks

passive cooling and insulation is provided with the use of mechanical cooling and placement of windows and openings to make the building perfectly adequate in the extreme weather conditions of the site

project info:

project name: cafe infinity

location: greater noida, india

design: rahul jain design lab (RJDL)

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom