Brewed - Colombia

Fig: 1 - Coffee houses are hotspots that offer a variety of coffee types from different regions.

COFFEE CULTURE

Coffee is one of those beverages that are common around the world and yet is valued for its diverse varieties around the world. It has become an integral part of various cultures and today a part of today’s workforce culture.

While there are many legends in different parts of the world narrating the discovery of coffee, there is a similar experience-oriented story behind them all. The beverage made out of these beans led to a burst of energy and had a strong aroma to it. 

As the word spread around the world from its origin, plantations started coming up and each of them had its own unique flavour and touch due to geography, climate and maintenance. Along with this different coffee, traditions came up too.

With word travelling fast, cultures and traditions have travelled borders giving rise to star flavours of the coffee world. What coffee houses were to people in the 17th century, cafe’s such as Starbucks and Costa coffee is to the contemporary generation of today. 

Fig: 2 - Colombia produces 11.5 million bags per year which is the third-highest amount in the world.

COLOMBIAN COFFEE TRADITION

Colombia is one of the premium coffee producers and exporters and is known for its exquisite flavour. The country is split into two by the Andes range running through providing unique geography for the growth of the traditional Arabica beans. But the popularity that these beans have gained outside is not even closely reflected within the country. Their worth, production and consumption are way lower than countries like Finland that can’t grow these beans in their homeland.

With the introduction of speciality coffee and coffee roasters among the population, there is a lack of opportunity for the people to realise the native heritage that can also provide them with tools to improve their social condition.

The essence of the Colombian coffee tradition has to be reinvigorated in the local areas of the nation. An experiential centre can help tourists explore the indigenous coffee variety as well as help natives become aware of their local production of coffee and appreciate the development of the industry in a wholesome manner.

Fig: 3 - Coffee is experienced in social settings and the interior of the business can promote local heritage.

DESIGN AN EXPERIENCE FOR COFFEE LOVERS

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a coffee experience centre and cafe for natives and tourists to have a taste of the process as well as the product.

For the tourists, this place would give a taste of the authentic Colombian coffee experience while there. The materials used and the spaces arranged within the facility must also be created according to the user profile and how these spaces would help enhance the experience. 

The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout or spaces. The relationship of the building with the context, both in physical and mental terms must be explored. Privacy and interaction must be guided in the centre to create a comfortable and accessible outlet for all types of users. 

While designing such an intervention, it is important to note that the two groups of people that the facility aims to engage are the tourist group and the native residents of the area. The aim of the competition is to come up with unique design solutions to provide a better glance for the natives of the place to realise their tradition and equip them better to improve their lives using the resources available. 

OBJECTIVES

Interior: Furniture, Finishes, Flooring, Material Palette

Planning: Micro Planning of the Cafe Spaces

Lighting: Natural Lighting as well as Fixtures used in the design

Function: Functions of the cafe apart from being a coffee house, as a tourist centre

SITE

The site is located in Pereira, Colombia, a region that is close to a lot of coffee estates and provides an opportunity for tourism. While the itself is located in a city close by, it is equidistant to the closest city and the estates, and the travel between them would offer a lot of beautiful views of the forests.

The site is in the Pinares neighbourhood surrounded by mixed establishments ranging from luxury hotels, high rise apartments to various eateries. The area is suitable for this typology as the locality attracts tourists in high numbers. 

• Site area - 655 sqm
• Height restrictions - 15 meters
• Maximum Built-Up Area - 491 sqm
• Ground coverage - 20%
• Setbacks as per CAD Plan
• Site coordinates - 4°48'17.2"N 75°41'04.5"W