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Plywood Structure with Retractable Awnings Creating Inviting Urban Café Experience

Author:
Matteo Marzi
Plywood Structure with Retractable Awnings Creating Inviting Urban Café Experience

Project in-detail

Crafted from plywood with innovative retractable awnings, the coffee kiosk redefines urban interaction by offering a warm, inviting space for community engagement and social gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The kiosk features a modular design allowing for easy reconfiguration based on customer needs and seasonal events.
02
Retractable awnings provide adaptable protection from the elements, enhancing user comfort throughout the year.
03
Constructed primarily from environmentally friendly plywood, the design prioritizes sustainability and lightweight mobility.
04
Transparent glass elements integrate the surrounding environment, fostering an inviting atmosphere for patrons.
05
Its vibrant red exterior stands out, creating a visual focal point that encourages social interaction within urban spaces.
The project under discussion is an architectural design that centers around a compact coffee kiosk, exemplifying modern planning and user-centric design principles. This kiosk stands as a practical solution to urban interaction, emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and community engagement. It represents a synthesis of form and function, designed to fit seamlessly into varied urban settings while fostering social connectivity.

The chief function of the coffee kiosk is to serve as a mobile café, providing high-quality coffee and a space for casual interaction. Its layout is meticulously crafted to encourage customer flow, with clearly defined areas for ordering, waiting, and socializing. This careful orchestration of space allows the kiosk to adapt to different customer volumes and activities throughout the day, contributing to an inviting and efficient coffee-drinking experience.

Key architectural elements of the kiosk include its modular design, which allows for various configurations and uses depending on the context and needs of the environment. The structure is constructed predominantly from plywood, lending a warm and inviting aesthetic while ensuring its lightweight and mobility. The use of glass in the design is strategically implemented to create transparency and openness, allowing natural light to enhance the atmosphere and inviting patrons to engage with the space. Alongside these materials, steel is utilized for its structural integrity, particularly in joints and supports, ensuring the kiosk stands firm under various conditions.

Another notable aspect of the design is its seasonal adaptability, featuring retractable awnings that provide comfort in both summer and winter. This flexibility not only enhances user experience but also extends the operational capacity of the kiosk throughout the year, accommodating different climatic conditions.

The unique design approaches taken in this project highlight the importance of multifunctionality in urban architecture. By incorporating elements that can easily transition from coffee service to event hosting, this kiosk is not merely a point of sale; it transforms into a community hub, encouraging social interaction in urban spaces. The bold color choices, particularly a vibrant red, help the kiosk stand out within its surroundings, making it an eye-catching attraction in otherwise mundane urban landscapes.

The architectural design is deeply rooted in the idea of community. It functions as a catalyst for social gatherings, drawing various demographics together, creating opportunities for connection in an often-disconnected urban setting. The kiosk's thoughtful design caters not just to the immediate needs of customers but also responds to broader urban challenges, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and adaptable environments.

In summary, this coffee kiosk project presents a holistic approach to architectural design that marries functionality with aesthetic appeal. Through careful material selection, spatial configuration, and attention to user experience, it addresses contemporary urban needs while remaining practical and accessible. Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that drive this innovative concept. This exploration may inspire further discussions regarding architectural ideas and best practices in contemporary urban environments.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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