% Arabica Riyadh Roastery

This project involves concept design, planning, construction supervision of the second Saudi Arabian location for "%ARABICA," a coffee shop brand originating in Kyoto.

The client requested that we renovate a warehouse of approximately 900 square meters and install a custom-made, gigantic roasting machine. Therefore, we planned a theater-like store that would showcase the massive roastery while making the most of the vast space. A platform visible from every seat was created at the back of the store, with the star of the show, the roasting machine, proudly placed in the center. Surrounding it are the bean cellars, a symbol of "%ARABICA," further enhancing the main attraction.

This shop features the talented baristas of "%ARABICA," who act as an orchestra, and they are also key players. A U-shaped kitchen counter is located in the center of the shop, allowing the baristas' brilliant performances and pleasant sounds to resonate throughout the entire establishment. To ensure that customers can enjoy the live atmosphere of these two main players from anywhere in the seating area, a large, pillar-free atrium is created, with seating arranged around it.

The main seating area consists of box seats separated by sheer curtains. These seats, designed with consideration for the personal space between men and women in Saudi Arabia, are arranged in two layers on either side of the open atrium. In addition, there are bench seats around the kitchen counter where customers can watch the baristas at work, and counter seats that offer a view of the entire store, providing a variety of seating options so that different types of customers can enjoy themselves in their own way.

Comfortable light streams in through the perforated metal ceiling from the open, high ceiling. These elements create a bright and open space, while simultaneously offering a shop where customers can enjoy delicious coffee and a theater-inspired concept design and presentation that engages all five senses.