Gossip Room: A Unique Coffee Shop Design by Alireza Shafieitaba

A Thought-Provoking Setting Inspired by the Concept of Gossip

The nature of this coffee shop has been inspired by the concept of gossip. Gossiping, basically, arouses a feeling of pleasure at first, but then after a while it gives the person doing it a feeling of discomfort. Broken mirrors try to serve as a symbol of the person’s break with the subject of the gossip in the first moments of doing it, but then the black butterflies, as the symbols of sinning, portray the result of gossiping. They try to imply that gossiping will lead to darkness. The combination of colors used in the furniture is also a symbol of this sinful act.

The Gossip Room, designed by Alireza Shafieitaba, is a coffee shop that offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. The setting is open to interpretation, allowing visitors to delve into their own thoughts and emotions. Each part of the design has been carefully crafted to evoke curiosity and introspection.

The coffee shop features 3,700 cloth blossoms adorning the walls, creating a visually stunning backdrop. Black butterflies, made from paper boards and velvet coatings, add a touch of mystery and symbolism. The tables are made of concrete, while the counters are made of Corian, blending functionality with aesthetics. The mirrors, meticulously designed and built with great accuracy, are only 1mm thick, adding a delicate touch to the overall design.

With an area of 95 square meters, the Gossip Room incorporates a variety of materials such as granite stone, concrete, mirror, cloth, and Corian. The combination of these materials adds depth and texture to the space, enhancing the overall experience for customers.

No customer is supposed to sit in the northern part of the coffee shop, which is designated for the takeaway section. This area is not directly linked to the concept of gossip. However, in the southern part, which is considered the main seating area, black butterflies are used to create a logical and practical connection between the concept of gossip and the coffee shop's name.

The Gossip Room challenges traditional design norms by pushing the concept of gossip to the back of the audience's minds through the details of colors and shapes. It invites customers to contemplate the function and meaning behind each element of the design, creating an engaging and thought-provoking atmosphere.

Designed by Alireza Shafieitaba, with the assistance of Amir Safdari, the Gossip Room project started in January 2018 and was completed in June 2019. It has received recognition for its innovative and practical design, winning the Iron A' Design Award in 2019 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Alireza Shafieitabar
Image Credits: arash toosi
Project Team Members: Amir Safdari
Project Name: Gossip room
Project Client: Alireza Shafieitabar


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