A Refined Urban Living Room
A Circulating Café – A Living Room in the City

About a decade ago, I visited Blue Bottle Coffee in Williamsburg and was struck by the shop's seamless integration into the local community, the individualistic yet friendly baristas, and the atmosphere they created. The dedication to "brewing coffee one cup at a time with care" was more than a technical skill; it was a lifestyle proposition that encouraged people to enjoy a slower pace of life.

Inspired by this experience, the design of this café in Daikanyama seeks to carry forward the philosophy and passion that Blue Bottle Coffee imbues into every cup. The concept of a "circulating café" reflects Daikanyama's unique context—its community, culture, and terrain—while proposing a new lifestyle and a distinctive way of spending time that resonates with this neighbourhood.

The plan integrates the building's open-air shared spaces, which blend residences, offices, and retail, with the café interior, creating layout with a sense of circulation. A counter in the middle, where baristas' coffee-brewing movements take centre stage, serves as the focal point. Reflecting the site's natural topography of slopes and varying elevations, the design incorporates terraced terrain and lush greenery, offering diverse spatial experiences across the different levels.

The space seamlessly combines contrasting atmospheres: an open, expansive area reminiscent of a park and a private, cosy spot akin to relaxing on a sofa at home. These spaces connect gently and coexist harmoniously, reinterpreting the comfort of traditional Japanese coffee houses into a modern café style.

Materials play a key role in supporting sustainability, with features such as plaster finishes made using coffee grounds as pigment and the use of natural materials. This approach integrates sustainability into the everyday act of drinking coffee. Careful experimentation and implementation have made this effort a reality, creating a café that is more than a place to enjoy coffee—it becomes a "living room in the city," fostering wellness and a sense of belonging in urban life.