L’Artisan Café, a coffee shop in Wayland Square, expanded to a second location in Providence. A corner storefront was selected in a newly constructed mixed-use building on Point Street near the revitalized Davol Square. The raw tenant space had cast concrete floors, precast concrete plank ceilings, and a tall glass storefront facing south and west. Although the ceilings were high, much of their underside was covered with plumbing and mechanical piping serving the apartments above.

In the spirit of the old-world artisan coffee offered at L’Artisan Café, a new, carefully crafted interior blends two primary materials to create a singular spatial experience. Flat engineered wood panels in a low-luster varnish create a rich brown color that pairs with vertical ribs in a creamy off-white paint.

The ribs and panels hold the perimeter as layered verticals of varying densities. Depending on the viewing angle, the white or brown tones shift as dominant, creating a nuanced and dynamic atmosphere. The filigree of white ribs amidst brown panels evokes the interplay of milk and espresso in latte art.

The top layer creates a continuous ringed enclosure just below the ceiling, emphasizing height with deep, tightly spaced ribs. This portion of the ceiling is largely free of piping and contrasts the polished concrete floor.

The middle layer balances white ribs and brown panels with wider rib spacing and less depth. The ribs extend across the upper storefront as a screen, casting dynamic shadows.

The lower layer is primarily brown paneling with white ribs as inlay. A concealed restroom door and food displays are integrated within the panel rhythm.

Just as the handle of a coffee mug is rounded for comfort forming a smooth radius to meet one’s hand, several corners of the design are softened, including a curved ribbed screen and rounded pickup counter for ease of access.