THE FOLKS: COFFEE BREWERS AND SOUL COOKS
Café, Morning Magic
Portugal, Lisbon
2023
Located amidst the lively streets of Lisbon, ão Architects, a burgeoning architectural studio, has designed interior project that introduces a fresh cafe experience, fusing the craft of specialty coffee with an enchanting flower shop corner. This cafe is a novel addition to The Folks chain. This establishment, bathed in the soft glow of morning sunbeams, embodies the essence of a tranquil morning—the world is still, and the city is drenched in a gentle light. It's a place where the tactile sensation of soft bed sheets and the weightlessness of morning dreams come to life.
Drawing inspiration from the ethereal beauty of early mornings, ão Architects has skillfully designed a space that caters to both the quest for an efficient brunch experience and the convenience of a comfortable queuing process for takeaway orders. The result is a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics that welcomes visitors into a realm of tranquillity.
What sets this project apart is the deliberate choice of a minimal palette, featuring just a few select materials, in an elegant monochrome design. This design philosophy puts specialty coffee at the forefront, allowing the cafe's unique character to shine.
The bar and walls of the cafe are adorned with bespoke pillows, creating an atmosphere akin to being enveloped in a cozy duvet. These pillows serve not only as decorative elements but also as functional pieces, offering guests the chance to nestle comfortably while sipping their morning coffee. It's a design choice that invites patrons to linger and savor the moment, just as they would under the warmth of their own bed covers on a leisurely morning.
Adding to the allure of the interior are the Nara Lounge chairs, meticulously crafted by Spanish designers We Are Forms. These chairs were chosen for their use of natural materials and supreme comfort, aligning seamlessly with the overarching concept of the space. They beckon visitors to sink into their plush cushions and relish the sanctuary-like ambiance.
In every detail, ão Architects has managed to encapsulate the unique charm of early mornings. The warm and gentle illumination, the delicate touch of carefully chosen materials, and the sensation of being cocooned in comfort all converge to create an experience that transcends the ordinary.
This Lisbon cafe, designed with a keen eye for detail and a passion for invoking the feelings of morning bliss, stands as a testament to the skill and sencetivity of ão Architects. It is a place where patrons can escape the bustling city, if only for a moment, and immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of dawn's first light.
