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Transparent Acrylic Modules with Vibrant Color Palette for Community Coffee Experience

Authors:
Lei Bao, Yiren Mao
Transparent Acrylic Modules with Vibrant Color Palette for Community Coffee Experience

Project in-detail

Blending transparent acrylic modules with a vibrant color palette, this community-focused design reimagines coffee enjoyment by creating dynamic spaces that promote social interaction and a seamless user experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates transparent acrylic panels that maximize natural light while maintaining visual openness.
02
Colorful modular units are strategically arranged to facilitate diverse user interactions and experiences.
03
The project emphasizes a lightweight aluminum framework, ensuring durability in challenging Nordic climates.
04
Soft textiles in seating areas enhance comfort, encouraging community engagement and extended use.
05
Flexible spaces cater to various stages of coffee preparation, creating a holistic communal experience.
The Coffee Wall project serves as a thoughtful exploration of community-oriented architecture within the context of Nordic countries. This architectural design emphasizes the daily ritual of coffee consumption, recognizing it as more than a routine, but rather as a vital social experience. The project's primary function is to create a dynamic environment where individuals can interact, prepare, and enjoy their coffee together, fostering a sense of community while integrating seamlessly into urban settings.

Upon entering the Coffee Wall, visitors encounter a series of modular units, each meticulously designed to cater to different activities surrounding coffee preparation and enjoyment. These modules delineate the space into various zones, labeled intuitively as “Lining Up,” “Making Coffee,” “Fetching Your Coffee,” “Waiting,” and “Enjoying.” This thoughtful organization not only facilitates a smooth flow of movement but also encourages engagement among users, allowing them to share their coffee experiences in a communal atmosphere. The layout reflects a deep understanding of user behavior, capturing moments of interaction that are essential to the coffee culture prevalent in Nordic societies.

The architectural approach manifests in the use of materials that evoke a sense of warmth and connectivity. Transparent acrylic panels form the primary structural components, offering visual openness and allowing natural light to permeate the space. This lighting enhances the overall ambiance, making it inviting and functional without being overwhelming. The aluminum framework provides vital support and durability, ensuring that the design withstands the region's often challenging weather conditions. Additionally, wooden accents introduce a tactile quality that resonates with the organic themes common in Nordic design philosophy.

One of the project’s unique design approaches lies in its focus on modularity and flexibility. Each unit can adapt to varying user needs and contexts, demonstrating practical versatility in both urban and communal settings. The distinct color palette, featuring soft yet vibrant hues, promotes a relaxed environment, which is essential for those seeking a refuge from the busyness of daily life. This integration of color not only acts as an aesthetic element but also as a psychological tool, encouraging users to engage more freely within the space.

Moreover, the functional aspects of the Coffee Wall are reinforced by the careful choice of materials. Fiberboard surfaces make practical contributions to ease of maintenance and usability, while soft textiles in seating areas enhance comfort, inviting users to linger and enjoy their coffee amid a welcoming ambiance. By harmonizing durability with aesthetic appeal, the design addresses both the needs of the users and the practical demands placed on public infrastructure.

The Coffee Wall encapsulates a range of cultural representations prevalent in Nordic countries, where the coffee-drinking ritual is deeply rooted in social interaction. The project is not merely about the act of drinking coffee; it embodies community, leisure, and togetherness, making it a significant architectural contribution to public spaces. By catering to diverse user experiences, the design champions the value of connection in everyday life.

As you explore this architectural endeavor further, consider looking into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs that offer deeper insights into the project's multifaceted approach. The Coffee Wall serves as a model of how architecture can enhance everyday experiences by fostering community engagement through strategically designed spaces. For a closer examination of the unique ideas driving this project, delve into its presentation and uncover the nuances that make it a relevant addition to contemporary architectural discourse.
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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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