Berliner Donuts is a coffee and donuts shop that is located on the ground floor of the new One development, on Barbu Văcărescu Street. Situated in the proximity of Verdi Park, the building has become a focal point for the area, slowly becoming an important landmark for the nearby residents.
Our general approach was centered on achieving maximum results with minimal interventions and resources. We focused on optimizing the use of available assets and existing elements, found on site, rather than introducing new and complex solutions. By carefully assessing what was already in place, we were able to streamline efforts, reduce costs, and minimize operational impacts. This method allowed us to strike a balance between efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness.
A key concept of the project was to elevate materials typically concealed in the background, technical or hidden components, bringing them to the forefront of the design. The drywall panels, commonly understated, were repurposed as a focal element and as the primary chromatic foundation, serving as a neutral backdrop for the other materials. The organic and imperfect texture of the central wall is in stark contrast with the precision of the geometric furniture, bringing balance to the space. Our design process was playful, incorporating both traditional design and non-design elements already present in the space. In this way, the dialogue between the planned and the incidental infuses the environment with a dynamic energy.
At the heart of the design lies the central bar, that draws focus towards the donut display. The stainless steel materiality transforms the bar into a magnetic piece around which all other elements gravitate. It becomes a point of visual and functional convergence, grounding the space while allowing the design narrative to unfold around it.
In front of the bar, there are two seating areas featuring custom-designed furniture made from painted oak. These elements seamlessly blend with the space's color palette, contributing to a harmonious flow throughout the entire environment.
The utilitarian feeling of the space is enhanced by the lighting solution, featuring clusters of recycled neon lights arranged around a LED stick and mounted on a cable tray that hovers over the bar.
The technical lighting solution is completed with an inflatable pendant lamp that marks the sitting area near the glass façade and an industrial sconce that marks the bathroom entrance.
In conclusion, the Berliner Donuts project reflects a careful approach to combining minimalism with industrial elements. By bringing typically hidden materials to the forefront, and integrating them into the design narrative, we created a space where each detail serves a clear purpose. Our aim was to create a sensory journey that not only showcases the Berliner products but also invites visitors to engage with the space on a deeper level.
Berliner Donuts is a coffee and donuts shop that is located on the ground floor of the new One development, on Barbu Văcărescu Street. Situated in the proximity of Verdi Park, the building has become a focal point for the area, slowly becoming an important landmark for the nearby residents.
Our general approach was centered on achieving maximum results with minimal interventions and resources. We focused on optimizing the use of available assets and existing elements, found on site, rather than introducing new and complex solutions. By carefully assessing what was already in place, we were able to streamline efforts, reduce costs, and minimize operational impacts. This method allowed us to strike a balance between efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness.
A key concept of the project was to elevate materials typically concealed in the background, technical or hidden components, bringing them to the forefront of the design. The drywall panels, commonly understated, were repurposed as a focal element and as the primary chromatic foundation, serving as a neutral backdrop for the other materials. The organic and imperfect texture of the central wall is in stark contrast with the precision of the geometric furniture, bringing balance to the space. Our design process was playful, incorporating both traditional design and non-design elements already present in the space. In this way, the dialogue between the planned and the incidental infuses the environment with a dynamic energy.
At the heart of the design lies the central bar, that draws focus towards the donut display. The stainless steel materiality transforms the bar into a magnetic piece around which all other elements gravitate. It becomes a point of visual and functional convergence, grounding the space while allowing the design narrative to unfold around it.
In front of the bar, there are two seating areas featuring custom-designed furniture made from painted oak. These elements seamlessly blend with the space's color palette, contributing to a harmonious flow throughout the entire environment.
The utilitarian feeling of the space is enhanced by the lighting solution, featuring clusters of recycled neon lights arranged around a LED stick and mounted on a cable tray that hovers over the bar.
The technical lighting solution is completed with an inflatable pendant lamp that marks the sitting area near the glass façade and an industrial sconce that marks the bathroom entrance.
In conclusion, the Berliner Donuts project reflects a careful approach to combining minimalism with industrial elements. By bringing typically hidden materials to the forefront, and integrating them into the design narrative, we created a space where each detail serves a clear purpose. Our aim was to create a sensory journey that not only showcases the Berliner products but also invites visitors to engage with the space on a deeper level.
