In 2014 Beijing Design Week, IFC studio teacher Henny van Nistelrooy presented Joy Luck Pie Club, an elaborate bakery he designed in Dashilan. Henny is an award-winning product and interior designer born in Holland. He has a masters degree in design from the Royal College of Art. After graduating, he worked as a freelancer for many famous designers like Tord Boontje. In the summer of 2012, he came to Beijing to set up his own studio, Studio Henny van Nistelrooy.
Joy Luck Pie Club is located at No.146 Yangmei Street in Dashilan. Every corner of the shop is well designed, from the beautiful pots, the decorated wall to the unique jugs, not to mention the handmade fruit pies and beverages. Visitors can feel the strong artistic atmosphere. Something worth mentioning is the Mazha - a piece of traditional Chinese furniture. Mazha symbolizes leisure and a comfortable lifestyle. Inspired by the auspicious patterns and unique colors of traditional Chinese fabric and furniture, Henny designed this work.
Joy Luck Pie Club is an example of experimental design in art. From this visit, IFC students learned about the ‘transboundary’ aspect between art and life.