Thoughts on the "Physical and Social Aspects of Coffee Shops"

This qualitative study described physical and social qualities in coffee shops that positively influenced gathering and place attachment. Coffee shops are a growing segment, with 10 percent growth a year between 2000 and 2004 in the US (Holmes, 2004). The article states that gathering and community activity have been associated with enhanced health (Putnam, 2000) and designers should consider ways to make places amenable to gathering.

Providing seating adjacent to walls, partial walls, or level changes is a plus as customer's may prefer it. I know I always choose a seat that is along the perimeter of the room because it feels more comfortable to me. Be aware that cleanliness may be important to coffee shop patrons and specify materials that are easy to clean or that have colors or patterns that hide dirt. By specifying dark hardwood and slate floors in the tea house, it will be easier to hide any stains from spills and dirt tracked in from outside the shop.

The study also suggests that aroma may be a valued part of the coffee shop experience and ways to design the ventilating system to enhance the experience of aroma should be considered (e.g., venting coffe smells to the street or seating areas). For this reason, the tasting bar is a main focus of the shop and will be brewing tea throughout the day for customers to taste test and learn about the proper brewing of all the different teas.

The article also suggests that seating with views to the outdoors and the proper amount of lighting for reading for patrons of all ages should be provided. Since the tea shop is a place for relaxation and escape, much like a home away from home, the majority of the storefront consists of windows with wood slats to filter the natural light, while providing outdoor views. The interior lighting is arranged in such a way that it provides adequate ambient light throughout, with additional task and accent lighting where necessary.