Bad Habits was launched in 2021 as a specialty coffee shop located in the center of Craiova, in the oldest mixed residential and commercial building in the city.
Autor, text, foto: Răzvan Drînceanu
Both the client (a barista himself) and the architect we set to move further than standard coffee shop design, thee one based on the extensive use of wood, “cozy” elements etc. The project is rather based on the contrast between raw and playful elements, and on the exposure of usually hidden equipments and construction.
The space is tailored so as to focus all attention on the bar. The bar defines the table setup in order to allow the customers to take part in the process of coffee brewing. At the same time, the generous glazing of the façade supports a continuous dialogue between the interior and exterior. In summer, the space exceeds its walls, by opening the windows to the park adjacent to the building. People can sit on the windowsill which acts as a connecting element, as the tables revolve as to where the customer is sitting, inside or outside.
The materials used become a background for the activity. Concrete and aluminum surfaces are alternated. Their continuity in color is contradicted and enriched by the differences in textures and light. Inspiration was mostly drawn from the coffee appliances and accessories, especially the coffee machine made from stainless steel. In addition, the client, which is at the same time a barista, had a very important input in the matter of materiality. Aside from the very particular expression, maintenance and general hygiene are a lot better than in the case of wood.
Certain objects, such as the custom-made lighting fixture, use apparently trivial, DIY components, executed on site, but which, through their composition, do indeed become design pieces. All of the objects are custom made so that they integrate with the storyline proposed.
The composition includes curved lines that allow a fluid movement throughout the space and at the same time creates a visually more welcoming and fun atmosphere.
Main chromatics of the space are in certain areas marked by vibrating colors – blue is found sporadically in the main area, but moving further from outside, in the back of the coffee shop it engulfs the entire bathroom.
-
+5
In a city where quality spaces are scarce to none, the project creates a meaningful presence that builds a community where specialty coffee and design are the fundamental values.
