Ground and Sky - Coffee Shop Preliminary Concept

Project Mandate: To analyze how proportions in design impact the ambience of a space. To create a preliminary concept for the client's new project. Client: 35 year old man, who is an enthusiast of unique spaces. He is looking to open up a new business, which he wants to be a café/coffee shop. Concept: This preliminary design concept for the coffee shop is inspired by airports and air travel. Using this inspiration, we were able to create some unique displays of proportion, both in concept and in functionality. Air travel can bring us anywhere in the world, whenever we would like a change of pace or new experience - thus, very large scale in practice. To the contrary, getting a coffee at the local shop, seeing your neighbours, friends and regular barista is a very small scale experience. We have chosen to use this interplay of small and large, and air and land in our design. August 2021

Inspirational Image #1

Our first inspirational image showcases how large spaces can be designed in ways to improve the ambience and make the space feel more purposeful. High dark ceilings are disguised with many round and bright lights and forms, providing us with a very clear barrier above, so as not to get lost in the shadows of the space. Furthermore, the space is clearly broken up into zones, giving each area of the space a clear purpose. Source: https://4space.ae/portfolio/kava-and-chai-coffee-shop-design/

Inspirational Image #2

Our second inspirational image showcases a small, intimate space. A window for service and only a couple seats inside, makes it perfectly clear that this location is suggesting guests use the outdoor space, and mingle in nature. A small spot in the middle of a large park, a very non-descript façade that wouldn't be recognizable if it weren't for the use of the stools and tables outside. Source: https://www.facebook.com/Dangecoffee/

Conceptual Design - Front Elevation

This elevation demonstrates the dual functionality of the shop. There is a front counter at street level made just for quick stop ins, for people to grab their drink and snack while on the go. There are no seats to congregate at, which mimics the quick in and out idea of a coffee shop in an airport concourse. And there is also an obvious lounge area on the second level, one that appears to be slightly disconnected to the ground floor service area, as if it is flying.

Conceptual Design - Side Elevation

To further contrast the function of the quick service area, we have created the two seating areas inside the building. The one on the ground level includes a sunken lounge area inspired by airport lounges. This space can be used for special events or parties and it features communal tables. And the space on the second level takes it's inspiration from seating on an aircraft - economy (bar height tables and stools), business (café tables and chairs), and first class (individual tub chairs).