1. What was the brief from the client? And how did you achieve the same intertwining of your style?
MM Cafe is an extension of the brand called Mastermind Triathlon, a bicycle studio and experience shop for cycling. It’s essentially about bike culture and is built around celebrating the cycling spirit. Inspired by the bicycle cafes of Europe, it is the perfect spot for someone with a shared interest in cycling and coffee.
The clients are themselves passionate about the bicycle culture and wanted a place that allowed interactions and build a sense of camaraderie among fellow cyclists.
2. How did you bring the best of the F&B brand through your design?
The idea was to make the cafe look sleek and pleasing to the eye. Hence, Terracotta was used as the primary colour for the cafe. This was inspired by the terracotta tiled roofs of the European towns. Exposed brickwork was incorporated for the interiors to add a sense of unkemptness to the space. Metal fabrication was also done to emphasize the rugged interiors.
3. What are the environment-friendly initiatives taken for this project?
Exposed brickwork was used as it helps avoid pollution from the manufacture of additional material and reduces costs as lesser material is used.
4. Can you give us insights on the selection of furniture and finishes of the project?
The tables in the cafe have rounded edges to promote free movement and encourage interactions. The idea was to develop an inclusive community seating that still looked cohesive. The chairs were also rounded and free to be rotated so that people can easily enjoy the talks or concerts that are held in the cafe.
The bathrooms are signature green to bring in a nature-inspired vibe to the interiors. The back kitchen is attached to the café and the total carpet area of the space is approximately 700 sqft. The exterior façade of the café was also done by PB, which was done in half and half cladding of subway tiles and textured finish.
The flooring was supposed to be done in cement IPS but since it would have been difficult to maintain hence, full vitrified tiles were used instead. The walls were also done in half and half– using cladding tiles and a textured finish. The services were kept open and no false ceiling was used in the space. The aim was to keep it utilitarian and easy to maintain for good longevity.
5. What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?​
The cafe was designed to depict the cycling culture and provide an interactive space for bicycle enthusiasts. But we did not want it to be too thematic by including too many cycling motifs. Hence, we came up with subtle yet thoughtful ways to showcase the theme.
6. If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?
Contemporary
7. What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?
In terms of the internal structure, the space was kept free-flowing like a typical European cafe. There was an intentional effort to keep the space fuss-free and let it grow over time with a sense of unbotheredness.
The cafe also works as a retail space for selling accessories, products and tokens related to cycling and triathlons. There is also a provision for seating outside the cafe so that the cyclists can enjoy a cup of coffee while on their route– without having to come inside to order.
8. What is your favorite element of design in the project?
The cafe was designed to be thematic enough so it’s instagrammable while still being authentic and true to the cycling spirit and culture.
9. If you had to describe the project in 2-3 words what would it be?
Industrial, Eclectic, Contemporary
10. Explain the use of colors and/or other details to add value to the design.
The ceiling of the café is adorned with a unique illustration that highlights the key places in the cycling routes of Europe. The hanging light installations in the cafe are also inspired by bicycles but in a way that does not look too thematic. The walls of the cafe are decorated with the brand logo, menu, slogans and pictures of famous cyclists. Hence, the walls become an element of interest and provide a good starter for conversations.