east beach cafe, littlehampton

The East Beach Cafe, in the English seaside town of Littlehampton

the sculptural surface that calls to mind both waves and wind-eroded rock formations


and the cave-like effect it creates on the inside

There are some dazzling images of the East Beach Cafe in the January issue of Architectural Record, a magazine always worth a serious read. The building is constructed with "thick and inexpensive steel to resist the salty air's weathering effects." It is a very compelling structure, especially because the surrounding landscape makes it seem completely out of context.

But there is an explanation for that. It seems that London architect, Thomas Heatherwick, was commissioned to design this 60-seat cafe on the beach in the 'derelict seaside village' of Littlehampton in West Sussex, England in the hopes of reviving the economy of the town. The article referred to this sort of unveiling of a unique and compelling work of architecture which causes a surge in tourism as the 'Bilbao Effect.' According to the article, it is too premature to tell if the 'Bilbao Effect' will take hold in Littlehampton. I certainly hope they have an amazing menu.


more articles on the 'Bilbao Effect'