We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Jean-Pierre Trou about their original and creative Coffee Shop design work. Jean-Pierre Trou is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original coffee shop works.
Jean-Pierre Trou ("JT") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Caffe Medici Coffee Shop. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
JT : The concept for the new Caffé Medici is a deconstructed bungalow. The design borrows from the archetypes of the traditional bungalow home and recreates it so the architecture feels familiar and also intriguing. The interior emulates the coziness of the bungalow without being literal in its approach. It all starts with the spatial transition between outside and inside through the idea of the porch. A steel portal frames the door and the windows, proud of the wooden scale-like facade which evokes the old wood shingles used for siding and roofing, placed horizontally to create a more pronounced pattern. The entry steel door at the porch leads to the main room where the hearth, or chimney, becomes the focal point. The hearth of the space is the bar, where the barista greets you and showcases the art of crafting espresso drinks. The bar is defined by a wavelike plaster ceiling that evokes fluidity found in fire & water both critical elements of the coffee roasting and brewing process. There are also small rooms within the main space, each catering to a different type of experience at this new Caffé Medici.
JT : Capturing the character of the neighborhood and its eclectic culture. We wanted to create a family friendly environment that celebrates the art of coffee and espresso making.
JT : To keep showcasing it because we feel proud of this beautiful design.
JT : About two weeks. But the concept itself happened within a one hour session. We were looking at photos of the neighborhood and the high concentration of bungalow style homes led to the idea of the deconstructed bungalow.
JT : We have worked with Caffé Medici as a client and helped them with the design of two stores previously.
JT : Coffee shops are an area of specialty for our firm and we have designed other locations for this client.
JT : Yes. The previous Caffé Medici at the Austonian back in 2009. Where we came up with the idea of the central bar to showcase the art of espresso making. It inspired other coffee shops around the nation to adopt this concept.
JT : The central “hearth” is the main feature in this shop and is a distinguishing element for this location. Also, the level of craftsmanship of the design elements and the use of different textures.
JT : Revit, Grasshopper, Rhino, SketchUP
JT : The use of both digital fabrication and traditional construction methods for the execution of the hearth.
JT : We collaborated with Drop House, a steel fabricator for the detailing of some of the key design features.
JT : Digital fabrication and the CNC cutting were critical in the creation of the complex shape for the hearth that has a double curvature.
JT : We were contacted by A’ Design Award Competition as they had seen Caffé Medici online and asked us to consider submitting the project.
JT : I learned from the interaction of the different trades during construction how to simplify, or improve some of the details that we did during the design phase.
JT : One of the critical aspects was the phenomenological aspect. How you feel and experience the space. From walking through the porch, opening the door and seeing different spaces and how you experience it. We wanted the space to seem familiar and intriguing. I feel like at the end we achieved that.
