Coffee Bar: S=f(t)

"The analytical study of the link between actions and time, led to the possibility of creating a wide continuous open space which is virtually divided in two poles: the first one dedicated to quick services and customers." says Alessandro Calvi Rollino Architetto on Coffee Bar: S=f(t)

By: Alessandro Calvi Rollino Architetto

View of the benches, table and service counter in the background.

Project details

• Project Name: Coffee Bar: S=f(t)
• Location of Site: Pantigliate (MI), Italy
• Design Team: Design Architects: Alessandro Calvi Rollino, Sandro Panarese
• Collaborators: Micaela Tolio
• Project Type: Coffee Bar Renovation
• Client: Coop. Lavoratori di Pantigliate
• Site Area: 100 sq m
• Date of completion: August 2005

Words from the architect

This project concerns the renovation of the central hall of a coffee bar, in Pantigliate; the previous disposition of the counter divided the space, both physically and visually, in two parts: the first room was used for betting, the other for all the remaining activities. The client's requirement was to realize a wide open space, in which any activity could find a proper location.

View from the service counter.

Time spent at the coffee bar depends on the various activities people intend to do: buying cigarettes, having a coffee, betting, having a lunch, watching a football match, playing cards (...). The analytical study of the link between actions and time, led to the possibility of creating a wide continuous open space which is virtually divided in two poles: the first one dedicated to quick services and customers (i.e. buying, paying your bet, having a coffee); the second one thought as a place where you can sit and relax talking to your friends, having a lunch or a cup of tea, reading a newspaper or planning and writing down your bet.

Detail of the service counter by the entry.

Such analytical input is transposed into the dynamic form of the furniture, whose development throughout the space, cuts diagonally the space itself, underlying its physical extension. The design of the ceiling, the upper shelves, the service counter, the ramp to the smoking room, all together physically underline the analysis of people's movements throughout time, contributing to create a wide open and fluid space where boundaries become subtle, even if still virtually present.

Spatial and functional development of the three-striped furniture system.

Furniture are made of multi layered heat-curved birch wood and satin-finished stainless steel; the multi-layered structure for furniture was a proper technical choice because of the continuous bending form. The same type of metallic finish is used for the central pillars and the ramp. Flooring: grey epoxy resin floor coating for the open space while black vulcanized rubber for the ramp.

Design of the space customized to the time spent by people at the coffee bar, that is, Space as a function of time S=f(t); t1, dedicated to quick services and customers; t2, area where you can sit and relax.

The space subdivision is left to the furniture: a service counter separates the staff's space from the customers, while a peculiar three-striped furniture system divides the customers' space in two poles: one for quick services, the other reserved to tables and chairs; a sinuous ramp leads to a smoking room.