Designer's Note
Shenzhen Universiade is a place for leisure and recreation, frequently hosting international sport events, various activities, and concerts. The new Arabica store opens at such a prime location with a great environment.
This store design was inspired by the stadiums and arenas that are iconic to the Universiade. Mirrors are effectively used to make the space appear larger, and showcases a continuous counter resembling athletic tracks. Bean bags, a symbol of Arabica, surround the inside of the store, representing spectators in a stadium and generating a sense of unity.
To take advantage of the store height, a mesh ceiling and mirror effect is used to create a space illuminated by the Chemex pendant lights. Since pendant lights are often seen in arenas, we created an originally designed pendant light inspired by the Chemex as used by Arabica’s baristas.
Inside the store, benches are placed in diverse locations in hopes that customers will find their favorite seats, just like relaxing on a bench in a park, and enjoy a fulfilling holiday with Arabica coffee.
-Hisaaki Yokoyama
