Jokopi MERR Café by ARA Studio – Innovative Drive-Thru Coffee Experience in Surabaya, Indonesia

Jokopi MERR Café, designed by ARA Studio, is a modern coffee destination located along the bustling Middle East Ring Road in Surabaya, Indonesia. Covering an area of 150 m² and completed in 2021, this café introduces a drive-thru coffee shop concept, a forward-thinking design response initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize customer safety and resilience.

Design Concept and Urban Context

With Surabaya’s high vehicle density, Jokopi MERR Café was strategically positioned with its entrance on the north side, optimizing visibility for drivers approaching from a sharp U-turn. A thoughtful setback design ensures that the café stands out, allowing passing drivers enough time to notice and access the space comfortably.

The café follows Indonesia’s right-hand traffic (RHT) system, influencing its circulation design. To maintain smooth vehicle flow for entering, parking, and exiting, the café mass is divided into two separate structures with a central gap serving as the drive-thru circulation path. One mass houses the drive-thru window and indoor café, while the other offers a semi-outdoor area for natural ventilation and a designated smoking zone. This sequential spatial experience enhances both functionality and ambiance.

Modular & Resilient Construction

Given the temporal leasehold of the site, Jokopi MERR Café employs a modular knock-down construction system, allowing easy disassembly and reconstruction for future adaptability. The building utilizes dry construction materials, including steel and uPVC sheets for structure and façade, ensuring efficiency and durability.

The roof and walls feature translucent uPVC panels, creating a continuous monolithic form. At sunset, the façade glows with soft light transmission, making the café highly visible and inviting for both drivers and pedestrians. This luminous effect, combined with the café’s contemporary design, contributes to its unique identity within the urban landscape.

Photography & Design Recognition

The project was captured by renowned photographers Wiliyanti & Hermawan Dasmanto, highlighting its innovative architectural features, materiality, and spatial dynamics. Jokopi MERR Café showcases how thoughtful design can blend functionality, safety, and aesthetics in a high-traffic urban environment.

Jokopi MERR Café stands as a model of adaptive urban coffee shop design, merging pandemic-responsive strategies, modular construction, and sustainable materials into a visually striking and functional space.

All Photographs are works of Wiliyanti & Hermawan Dasmanto