Perception Cafe: A Unique Blend of Design and Coffee

Feelament's Haejun Jung Crafts a Warm, Wooden Cafe with a Centralized Open-Preparation Zone

The Perception cafe is nestled in a quiet neighborhood, situated on the corner of a crossroad. The warm, wooden interior creates a comforting atmosphere for customers. The cafe's standout feature, the "Shading tree," starts from the backside of the preparation zone and covers the customer zone, creating an unusual spatial effect. This feature serves as a medium for customers who wish to lose themselves in thought over a flavorful cup of coffee.

The design of the cafe was heavily influenced by the brand name, "Perception." The designers wanted to explore the idea that people's perceptions are shaped by their past experiences, which are highly personal and private. They questioned whether others could feel or think the same way, and this concept became the foundation of the project.

One of the unique features of the cafe is the centralized open-preparation zone. This design element offers customers a clean and extensive view of the barista's performance, whether they are seated at the bar or at a table. The ceiling object, known as the "Shading tree," is another distinctive feature. It was prepared using digital fabrication technology, with the initial digital volume manipulated and evaluated in a virtual space to achieve higher acoustic performance.

The project, which started in December 2018 and was completed in April 2019 in Seoul, South Korea, faced several challenges. The designers had to manipulate some areas of the ceiling to achieve the required clearance height. They also developed custom ceiling joints and details from computational analysis to ensure that the ceiling object felt safe and light.

Perception Cafe is a testament to the innovative use of design and technology. The cafe's design, which combines warmth and comfort with cutting-edge construction technology, offers a unique experience to its customers. It's not just about serving coffee; it's about creating a space where customers can lose themselves in thought and experience the unusual spatial effects of the cafe's design.