Specialty Coffee Shop Design

The Evolution of Coffee Shops into Architectural Statements

Coffee shops have long been places of social interaction, work, and relaxation. However, in recent years, they have evolved into architectural statements that reflect the culture and aesthetic of the cities they inhabit. The ANBASSA Coffee Shop in Pantin, France, is a prime example of this evolution. Designed by the Office Abrami Rojas (OAR), this project stands as a testament to how specialty coffee shop design can blend tradition with modernity, creating spaces that are not just about coffee but also about an experience.

A Deep Dive into ANBASSA Coffee Shop's Design

Unearthing History to Create a Modern Masterpiece

Nestled in the city center of Pantin, near Paris, the ANBASSA Coffee Shop is housed in a building from 1935 that has been ingeniously converted by the architectural design firm OAR. The Italian-Mexican duo behind OAR, Filippo Abrami and Helena Haas-Rojas, embarked on this project with a vision to create a unique interior design that pays homage to the building's storied past while introducing a contemporary aesthetic.

Upon stripping back the insulating panels, the architects discovered hidden treasures - magnificent reinforced concrete and glass domes, which they chose to expose and enhance. This decision not only revealed the architectural beauty of the space but also allowed natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Crafting a Minimalist Space with a Rich Tapestry of Time

OAR's approach to the ANBASSA Coffee Shop's design was characterized by a continuous dialogue with the client and the craftsmen, leading to the creation of custom-made steel furniture and terracotta cladding. This minimalist space is accented with a patina of time, where shades of beige become a tapestry against which the past and present dialogue.

The inclusion of natural light is a key feature of the design, with the original domes designed in the Art Deco style by architect René Tanalias serving as the primary source. Minimalist lighting design further emphasizes the geometric beauty of these double-height spaces, enhancing the overall ambience of the coffee shop.

Integrating Functionality with Aesthetic

The layout of the ANBASSA Coffee Shop is a study in thoughtful design, with a laboratory separated from the tasting area and offices by large glass surfaces. This not only allows for a visual and physical connection between the different spaces but also facilitates an understanding of the building's layout and the coffee roasting process. The design cleverly incorporates Euclidean geometric shapes - ellipse, square, and circle - echoing the natural incorporation of these forms into the architecture.

The Soul of Specialty Coffee Shop Design

The ANBASSA Coffee Shop by OAR / Office Abrami Rojas is a prime example of specialty coffee shop design at its best. It showcases how architectural ingenuity can transform a space into something that transcends its primary function, becoming a place where history, design, and the art of coffee making converge. With a focus on transparency, natural light, and reverence for the existing structure, this project highlights the soul of specialty coffee shop design - where every detail contributes to creating an experience that engages all the senses.

OAR's commitment to detail, choice of materials, and craftsmanship underscores a unique perspective on architecture that transcends disciplinary boundaries. From objects to cities, their projects are designed in a sustainable, contextual, and innovative manner, setting a new standard for specialty coffee shop design.

All photographs are work of Francesca Iovene