Shahed Saleem Designs the Island Gardens Cafe in London
Amy Duong — March 22, 2025 — Art & Design
Architect Shahed Saleem designs the Island Gardens cafe in London's Isle of Dogs area. It was created to replace a brick building first built in the 80s. The cafe is designed by Saleem for the park just at the south tip of the Isle of Dog peninsula which is known for its views.
Saleem explains, "Island Gardens is located in the heart of Britain's maritime and colonial history, so it's a weighty and exciting challenge to design a building that responds to this heritage. Using faience tiles as the fascia wrapping around the cafe was a way to connect the building to this material history. [...] The curved and front glazing achieve a feeling of openness and connection from inside the cafe to the park, and there are clear views to the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark, which was one of the original intentions of the project."
Image Credit: Shahed Saleem
Saleem explains, "Island Gardens is located in the heart of Britain's maritime and colonial history, so it's a weighty and exciting challenge to design a building that responds to this heritage. Using faience tiles as the fascia wrapping around the cafe was a way to connect the building to this material history. [...] The curved and front glazing achieve a feeling of openness and connection from inside the cafe to the park, and there are clear views to the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark, which was one of the original intentions of the project."
Image Credit: Shahed Saleem
Trend Themes
1. Heritage-connected Architecture - Blending modern design with historical context, like the use of faience tiles, fosters a deeper cultural connection and aesthetic in urban developments.
2. Open-view Structures - Integrating transparent design elements in buildings enhances the connection between interior spaces and their natural surroundings, creating a seamless experience for users.
3. Faience Tile Revival - The reintroduction of faience tiles in contemporary architecture illuminates opportunities for blending traditional materials with modern design principles.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Architecture - The fusion of historical design elements with modern architecture in urban settings offers new pathways for enhancing cityscapes.
2. Cafe and Restaurant Design - Innovative cafe designs that incorporate local history and open views can transform dining experiences and engage patrons on a cultural level.
3. Sustainable Building Materials - The resurgence of traditional and durable materials, like faience tiles, in construction introduces sustainable options that blend past and present aesthetics.
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