[Photo courtesy LTL Architects website]
Being a design student, I have come to see the world from a much different angle than that of my childhood...forms and spatial relations are so much more clear to me, and I'm constantly seeking inspiration, not only in design and architecture, but in all aspects and forms of life. Working on final projects last month, I booked plenty of time in the studio, which (fortunately) keeps plenty of literature on hand, most notably back issues of Architectural Record. The copy flopped next to my computer (September 2004, if I recall correctly) was a great read, and though I was tempted to smuggle it home, I left it in its proper place. One of the most stunning case studies was also one of the most understated...the Ini Ani cafe in Manhattan, designed by Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis. Their use of corrugated cardboard is brilliant, and surely highly desirable given the current push for "green" design. The varied textures provide warmth and depth without infringing upon the spacious feel. It all comes down to the details, though...the decorative motif consists of impressions of varied coffee cup lids(!), which typically go unnoticed in the daily grind (no pun intended). The LTL Architects firm has also put out a book, Opportunistic Architecture...I'm hoping to be able to pick up a copy soon...
More specs and photos of the Ini Ani Coffeehouse can be found here:
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