-—- || SAMPSON ISAFI || -—-

~SINCERITY COFFEE SHOP~

-2026-

Floor Plan, 18x24, 3/8" = 1'-0"

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BACKGROUND:

This design for a quaint coffee shop nestled in the desert came to me after reading Frank Herbert’s Dune and imagining what a coffee shop on the planet of Arrakis might look like. In contemporary society, the coffee shop has become something of a functional enigma; some come for the drinks, some for the conversation, and others for the ambience. This flexibility creates an excellent opportunity for me to design with minimal constraints.

SYNOPSIS:

My metaphysical aim (the telos) is to bring Man into unity with Nature and Nature into unity with Man. The former is a regular consideration in organic architecture, but the latter is consistently neglected. In a harsh environment such as a desert (or Arrakis), one must be able to adapt to the environment and adapt the environment to oneself. Initially, this may seem a contradiction, but it is very well possible.


My primary functional goal was to create sundry and numerous seating options which, when paired with the desert aesthetic, would invite customers to take a moment and enjoy their beverage in a contemplative manner. To create such a meditative space in a hostile environment requires careful integration with the needs of the landscape and of the people.

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Day Time

Night Time

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DESIGN BASIS:

I utilize geometric shapes characteristic to modern architecture and juxtapose them with classical elements like columns and a pyramidal turret. I implement a sawtooth motif in the roof overhang, ground footing, and column capitals so as to give the appearance that the building emerges from the land and terminates with human intention.


Dry, light colors contrast with biophilic elements to create a veritable oasis in the desert while strategically placed windows bring the outdoors inside without drawing unnecessary heat.


Practically speaking, the building offers a variety of excellent seating options while maintaining clear wayfinding and efficient circulation for both staff and customers. Adequate space is allocated for employees to work, thus minimizing congestion.

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