manu coffee Reimagined: A 20-Year Legacy of Culture and Connection
In the lively Haruyoshi district of Fukuoka, Manu coffee has been a central part of the area's evolving subculture for the past two decades. This unassuming yet iconic café has been more than just a coffee place; it has served as a gathering spot for young professionals and a hub where Fukuoka's nightlife culture and creative communities come together. Situated at the unique intersection of the city's three central districts—Tenjin, Hakata, and Nakasu—Haruyoshi has developed into a unique enclave where nightlife, dining, and urban subcultures blend seamlessly. Within this dynamic setting, Manu Coffee has thrived for 20 years, creating its own story and building a dedicated following, a testament to our city's unique and vibrant culture.
After 20 years, Takasu Gaku Design and Associates have renovated Manu Coffee to honour its history and encourage new interactions. The new design features a sizeable operable steel sash on the shopfront, creating a transparent space that invites people to look inside and blurs the boundary between the street and the interior. This design aims to bring the energy of the street inside while maintaining the café's role as a cultural hub.
The renovation beautifully combines old and new elements. The counters and bench seating were made using traditional plastering techniques, while the floor has been patched with different materials, preserving its history while giving it a fresh look. These layered textures create a warm and authentic atmosphere, making the space feel familiar yet rejuvenated.
The soft lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, piquing the curiosity of those passing by. The goal is to create a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, fostering a sense of continuity, security, and connection between the café's long-standing presence and the ever-evolving city. This renovation is not just about updating a space; it's about strengthening the bond between the café, the street, and the community it serves.
The aim is for this newly designed entrance to serve as both a physical and symbolic gateway, promoting the exchange of ideas and culture, and continuing to shape Haruyoshi's identity. As the café embarks on a new chapter, it will undoubtedly continue its dedicated mission of nurturing Fukuoka's subcultures, serving as a place where the old meets the new, and where the past informs the future, fostering a sense of continuity and anticipation for what's to come.
For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Restaurant, Bar & Clubs Division
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