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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Craft a Community-Centric Urban Café

Authors:
Juchen Zhang, Kei Takanami
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Craft a Community-Centric Urban Café

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with expansive transparent glass, this urban café creates a seamless interaction between its interior and the surrounding environment while fostering community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural stability while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and views from inside the café.
04
Modular construction allows for easy reconfiguration and seasonal adaptability of the space.
05
Transparent glass walls create a visual connection between the café and the surrounding urban environment.

The Coffee Cube is an architectural project that redefines the concept of a coffee shop within an urban landscape. This design integrates contemporary aesthetics with functional requirements, effectively serving as both a café and a social space. It occupies a prominent location, capitalizing on the dynamics of its environment while promoting user interaction. The project aims to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging community engagement and fostering a vibrant atmosphere.

The design features a modular structure composed of locally-sourced wood, transparent glass, and a concrete base. This combination of materials not only supports sustainability but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. The use of wood adds warmth to the structure, while the glass walls invite natural light and echo the lively atmosphere of the surrounding area. The concrete foundation provides necessary stability and durability, completing the necessary structural requirements for a busy urban setting.

Unique Design Approaches and Functional Spaces

What sets The Coffee Cube apart from other architectural designs in the same category is its emphasis on transparency and interaction. The transparent façade allows for visual permeability, effectively drawing in pedestrians and creating an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the layout is strategically designed to optimize customer flow. Key areas include an open serving counter, seating arrangements that promote socializing, and spaces for merchandise.

The modular nature of the structure allows for easy assembly and adaptability for different events, accommodating seasonal changes and the needs of the community. This flexibility ensures the space remains relevant over time and can evolve with user demands. The design methodology incorporates traditional woodworking techniques, achieving a balance between modernity and craftsmanship.

Spatial Relationships and Design Integration

The spatial layout of The Coffee Cube capitalizes on the interplay between different areas, creating a seamless flow from exterior to interior. Elements like seating areas are arranged to foster communication among patrons while providing distinct zones for relaxation. Architectural sections showcase the elevation differences and spatial divisions that create an intimate environment despite the open design.

Moreover, the project emphasizes sustainability through the use of local materials, minimizing environmental impact while supporting local economies. This strategic choice reflects a growing trend in architecture that values community connections and eco-consciousness.

For those interested in exploring further details of The Coffee Cube, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the project’s thoughtful execution. This exploration can illuminate the underlying architectural ideas that inform the project's success in both function and aesthetics.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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