Or Whatever Café by design by 83: A Free-Spirited Coffee Haven in Busan

Located on the vibrant Jeonpo Cafe Street in Busanjin-gu, Busan, Or Whatever Café redefines conventional coffee shop design through an imaginative and free-spirited approach. Completed in 2022 and designed by the innovative studio design by 83, this 45-square-meter café offers more than just coffee and brunch—it invites visitors into a thoughtfully curated space that embodies individuality, spontaneity, and artistic freedom.

A Name That Tells a Story

At the very first meeting with the client, the architects were captivated by the name "Or Whatever." Curious about its meaning, they learned that it symbolized the client's desire for a brand identity free from stereotypes—an authentic reflection of her open-minded, adventurous spirit. Inspired by this concept, design by 83 set out to craft a café environment that would break away from traditional spatial norms and embody an unrestricted, lighthearted character.

Breaking Free from Stereotypes

Rather than adhering to the conventional café layout dominated by right angles and grid-like forms, the design team embraced a more fluid and organic spatial arrangement. The vision was to create a free, light, and distinct personality within the compact space.

A significant design challenge was the existing central column. Instead of hiding it, the architects cleverly used it to divide the internal flow: one side for employee operations and the other for customer circulation. This strategy not only optimized functionality but also minimized construction costs by focusing around a large circular mass that anchors the layout.

Reimagining Materials and Memories

The renovation preserved elements of the previous store, notably the vintage plaster walls and leftover masonry bricks. These were seamlessly integrated as a textural backdrop for the new circular mass, maintaining a sense of familiarity for regular customers who cherished the store's original character.

Supporting the cylindrical structure, birch plywood columns introduce natural warmth and tactile richness. Special paint finishes were applied to unify the new interventions with the old walls, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative throughout the space.

Tables, chairs, and the cozy sofa seating were custom-designed using simple yet comfortable materials, all carefully selected to harmonize with the overall palette of textures and colors, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

A Transparent Connection Between Inside and Out

Externally, the café features a full-glass facade that blurs the boundary between the interior and the lively street outside. Using aluminum plates and carefully orchestrated lighting, the circular mass becomes a striking focal point even from a distance, inviting passersby to step inside.

This transparency and integration of form, texture, and color between the inside and outside create a dynamic yet calming ambiance, setting Or Whatever Café apart from the many other coffee shops in the Jeonpo neighborhood.

A Space to Relax and Connect

Above all, Or Whatever Café is designed to be a place where guests can feel naturally at ease—a space that feels open, approachable, and unstaged. The name "Or Whatever" finds its architectural expression here: a café free from rigid expectations, encouraging customers to enjoy brunch, coffee, and conversation in an environment that flows as freely as their own thoughts.

By crafting a design narrative that emphasizes spontaneity, authenticity, and subtle beauty, design by 83 has successfully created a truly memorable and personal café experience in the heart of Busan.

All Photographs are works of Dong-gyu Kim