Coffee shops have always been cherished by coffee enthusiasts, but in recent years, they have also become go-to places for remote workers and students. The appeal lies not only in the delightful beverages they offer but also in their well-designed interiors that evoke comfort, relaxation, and productivity. Architects and coffee shops go hand in hand, working together to create spaces that cater to the diverse needs of customers.
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Alongside serving exceptional drinks, successful coffee businesses understand the significance of design. Designing a café involves considering the needs of customers, such as seating arrangements, dimensions, accessibility, and compliance with health and sanitary regulations. Architects play a crucial role in utilizing the space efficiently, ensuring smooth movement for both employees and customers.
The seating area typically occupies 60% of the café's floor plan, while the remaining 40% includes service areas, storage, and other functional zones. Architects carefully design each sub-unit within this space, considering accessibility, practicality, efficiency, and comfort. By organizing the layout effectively, employees can easily navigate between preparation and service areas, while customers can effortlessly navigate the space.
Let's delve into the key design features of coffee shops and discover how architects have implemented them in 17 inspiring projects.
Coffee Bar & Service Area
Many architects initiate the design process by focusing on the "back of the house," where storage and employee-related facilities are located. By optimizing this area, architects ensure that the main functions have enough space, allowing for an efficient workflow and the installation of essential equipment like refrigerators and coffee machines. The materials and finishes chosen in this area prioritize safety and ease of cleaning. Independent HVAC units are often installed to comply with sanitary regulations.
GROUNDS Coffee / KOGAA
Blue Bottle Coffee Kanda Manseibashi Cafe / Schemata Architects
Storage
Ample storage space is crucial for coffee shops, especially in the service and back kitchen areas. To ensure comfortable movement for employees, architects often incorporate vertical shelving units that maximize vertical space utilization. Common storage units, such as those found beneath counters, are also used efficiently.
Store and Bistro Erva Santa / Moca Arquitetura
Kettl Tea Flagship / Michael Tower Architecture
Employee Circulation
Creating organized and spacious employee zones enhances comfort, productivity, and safety. Effective workspace organization includes individual stations where employees can access tools and products by rotating 360 degrees from their position. This layout minimizes the chance of employees crossing paths and optimizes workflow. Allocating each machine in order of usage facilitates task allocation and creates a seamless workflow.
YAMA Coffee Shop / KSOUL Studio
Newport Coffee House / 34-TEN
PAGA Microroastery / Taste Space
Customer Circulation
Upon entering a coffee shop, customers should have a clear sense of direction and a well-planned journey. The floor plan dictates the customer's flow, including where to line up, the food selection overview, seating arrangements, and duration of stay. Efficient layout planning also influences the length of the queue during rush hours and ensures that it does not obstruct other customers. Architects often place the queue line to the side, away from the seating area, following a sequential approach. By carefully planning the step-by-step process of purchasing a drink, architects create a smooth and enjoyable customer experience. Circular customer flows are preferred over linear flows to accommodate more customers and avoid congestion.
NOC Coffee Co. / Studio Adjective
FabCafe Nagoya / Suppose Design Office
Interior Aesthetics & Ambience
Comfort and coziness are key aspects of coffee shop design. Architects often incorporate ambient lighting, muted colors, warm palettes, natural materials, and greenery to create inviting spaces. Some projects even include design elements that reflect specific architectural movements or convey a particular context. The goal is to create an atmosphere that resonates with customers and enhances their overall experience.
Mustapan Coffee Shop / Estudio Chávarro
Thailand Hi Cafe / balbek bureau
Cafe Bidam / Design Token
Furniture Selection
Selecting the right furniture is vital for accommodating various types of customers simultaneously, such as visitors, on-the-go coffee lovers, study groups, couples, and remote workers. Each customer group requires a customized furniture selection that balances functionality, comfort, and ergonomics. The type of furniture also affects the capacity and turnover rate of a coffee shop. Architects must consider the materials used and ease of maintenance and cleaning.
BASAO Tea Lounge / NORM Architects
INC Coffee / LABOTORY
Facade
The facade of a coffee shop plays a significant role in shaping customers' perceptions and creating a welcoming environment. First impressions are powerful, particularly for new customers passing by. The facade should reflect the ambiance of the interior, conveying a sense of approachability and comfort. Architects often opt for see-through facades or vibrant designs that capture pedestrians' attention.
September Cafe / Red5studio + Ben Decor
Colchetes Café / Estúdio Brasileiro de Arquitetura
Today is Long Cafe / Absence from Island
Delve deeper into captivating coffee shop projects by exploring this My ArchDaily folder. This article is part of an ArchDaily series that highlights interior architecture features. We always appreciate input from our readers, so feel free to share any specific ideas or suggestions.