What was the brief?

The brief was to create a space that would enrich the consumer’s experience at all stages and encourage them to enjoy their coffee in the surroundings of the city and its urban landscapes. It was also important not to consider the singularities of local culture and history.

What were the key challenges?

The key challenge was to blend Japanese, French and Chinese cultures in harmoniously. For this project our concept was inspired by Chinese landscapes, while using Japanese structural and minimal design with the addition of the Parisian café terrasse culture with a exterior/interior continuity. To achieve this idea, we created a prominent buffer zone between the entrance and the service counter.

This sculptural element became the essence of the design. Its composition can be associated with urban exterior elements such as a tunnel, a bridge and even a skateboard ramp.  In order to create this unique tunnel like interior fixture, it was important to consider its stability and manufacturability.

What materials did you choose and why?

We used Japanese engineering to make the ramp as light as possible, a welded 9mm steel plate structure with a smooth seamless surface. The sensation of passing through this steel tunnel turns into an immersive experience with a unique sound and feeling.

Furthermore, in order to reflect % Arabica’s Japanese minimalist philosophy, seamless materials were carefully selected, such as the iconic % Arabica Corian finish of the counters and façade, as well as a white plaster finish of the tunnel, created with a elastic oil-based paint. The Glass facade was designed to be as invisible as possible. Overall these materials unify the project offering a design that outstands by its simplicity and fluidity.

Material Used:
1. Facade cladding and counter: Corian, Oltremateri 
2. Ramp floor/ceiling: Painted steel
3. Interior lighting: Bespoke
4. Interior furniture: Bespoke