Cafe design: lessons from ９ projects
In recent years, the number of remote workers and students using cafes has increased, and they are not only a place of relaxation for coffee lovers, but are also becoming increasingly popular as places to work and study. Cafe design, which combines a comfortable space with efficient functionality, is a great opportunity for architects to show off their skills.
In this article, we explore the key elements of cafe design and show how architects have used these elements in ９ carefully selected projects.
Examples of great cafe designs: 1
Erva Santa Shop and Bistro / Moca Arquitetura
Elba Santa Shop and Bistro / Mocha Architetura
Spatial planning
In designing a cafe, architects generally allocate 60% of the floor space for seating, and 40% for service and back area. The seating area is further zoned for various functions such as:
- High table seating: Suitable for snacks and working alone
- Lounge area: Comfortable seating, including sofas and armchairs, where you can relax and chat
- Coworking space: There are tables equipped with power outlets and Wi-Fi, allowing multiple people to work together.
Service areas must be designed to take into account employee movement patterns and work efficiency and to meet hygiene standards.
Examples of great cafe design: 2
Newport Coffee House / 34-TEN
Newport Coffee House / 34-TEN
Cafe bar and service area
The cafe bar is the central area of the cafe and contains the food prep area, drink bar, cash register, etc. When designing a cafe bar, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Functionality: The layout should allow smooth traffic flow, make it easy for employees to work, and make it easy for customers to order.
- Cleanliness: Choose materials and finishes that are durable and easy to clean.
- Safety: Provide safety measures such as anti-slip and fire protection.
Interior aesthetics and atmosphere
It is important for the interior design of a café to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, which is why it often incorporates the following elements:
- Soft lighting and warm colors
- Comfortable furniture and materials
- Houseplants and decorations
3 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Nagoya FabCafe / Suppose Design Office
Nagoya FabCafe / Suppose Design Office
4 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Thailand Hi Cafe / Balbec Bureau
Thai High Cafe / Balbec Bureau
5 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Mustapan Coffee Shop / Studio Chávarro
Mustapan Coffee Shop / Estudio Chabarro
6 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Bidam Coffee Shop / Design Token
Bidam Coffee Shop / Design Token
Exterior design
The exterior design of your cafe should attract customers' attention and convey the cafe's brand image and atmosphere.
- Use eye-catching colors and logos
- The design will be open and made of glass, allowing the interior of the store to be seen.
- Designing unique architectural forms
7 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Colchetes Café / Brazilian Architecture Studio
Colchetes Café / Brazilian architectural firm
Key elements of cafe design:
Storage
Cafes need ample storage space, especially around the service area and back area. It is important to make the most of the limited space so that employees can move around comfortably. Therefore, various storage methods are used, such as tall shelves that reach from floor to ceiling and storage space under the counter.
8 Examples of Great Cafe Design
Buyu Coffee Yingke Store in Beijing
Employee flow
It is important to design employee areas to maximize space, improve circulation, and increase work efficiency. Ideally, the workspace should be laid out so that employees can perform multiple tasks without having to move back and forth too much. Also, aisles should be wide enough to accommodate peak hours.
PAGA Micro World / Taste Space
PAGA Micro World / Taste Space
Customer flow
It is important to ensure that customers have clear lines of movement so they can move around the store smoothly. The layout needs to take into account how customers will line up, where the order counter is, where they will sit, how long they are expected to stay, etc. It is also necessary to take into account the congestion situation at peak times and make sure that lines do not obstruct the overall flow of traffic in the store.
9 Examples of Great Cafe Design
BASAO Tea Lounge / NORM Architects
BASAO Tea Lounge / NORM Architects
Choosing furniture
When choosing furniture, you need to consider functionality, comfort, and ergonomic design. Depending on how your café will be used, it is important to choose furniture that can accommodate a variety of customer types. For example, you could have counter seats for single-person work, tables for group work, or sofa seats. The choice of material is also important, and you need to choose furniture that is easy to clean and maintain.
supplement:
- The above are just a few examples of key elements in cafe design.
- The specific design needs to be decided based on the cafe's concept and target customer base.
- Lighting, acoustics, décor, and other elements need to be considered to create a comfortable, inviting space.