Commercial SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Passage du Cafe unfolds as a subtle urban refuge, where light, materiality, and rhythm invite pause. Within a glass enclosed structure, the interior whispers rather than declares, offering a space shaped by memory, craft, and the gentle rituals of everyday life.

The project is situated in downtown Cordoba, occupying an existing glass block defined by a clear structural grid of columns. Rather than transforming the space through radical alteration, Studio Petra embraced a philosophy of minimal intervention. This approach allowed the original architecture to remain present, becoming a framework that guided every design decision. The result is an interior that feels resolved and calm, where architecture and interior design coexist without tension. By working with what was already there, the project achieves a sense of authenticity and spatial clarity that feels both contemporary and enduring. At the heart of Passage du Cafe lies its central architectural gesture: a curved wooden bar inspired by traditional Parisian cafes. The existing structure determined its position, turning constraint into opportunity. The bar softens the rigid geometry of the space, creating a focal point that naturally organizes circulation and social interaction. Its generous curve encourages proximity, conversation, and lingering, reinforcing the cafes role as a place for unhurried enjoyment rather than rapid consumption.

"A space designed to be lived slowly, where craftsmanship and urban life meet in quiet harmony, allowing everyday rituals to unfold with intention, warmth, and timeless elegance."

Craftsmanship defines the character of the bar. The wooden surface showcases the careful work of carpenters who reproduced moldings, curves, and counter curves typical of classic French bars. This artisanal precision avoids nostalgia and instead reinterprets tradition through a contemporary lens. The bar is designed at two levels, subtly revealing the baristas work and transforming preparation into performance. This functional transparency strengthens the relationship between staff and guests, turning everyday gestures into part of the spatial experience.

Material selection throughout the project is deliberate and restrained. Wood is paired with granite surfaces that introduce texture, weight, and durability. The lower countertop features black leather granite, grounding the bar visually and physically. The upper surface is finished in Sierra Chica granite, offering a softer and more tactile contrast, while black boreal granite is used on the table tops. Together, these materials create a palette that feels timeless, capable of aging gracefully while maintaining a sense of quiet sophistication.

"Passage du Cafe reminds us that true design often resides in restraint, where minimal gestures, thoughtful materials, and human scale create lasting connections between place, people, and city."

Natural elements play a subtle yet important role in shaping the atmosphere. Along the exterior edge, planters and vegetation define the boundary between the cafe and the sidewalk. These elements soften the urban condition and establish a gentle transition between public and interior space. The greenery frames views, filters light, and reinforces the cafes relationship with the street. Rather than isolating itself from the city, Passage du Cafe engages with it, becoming part of the everyday urban rhythm. One of the most distinctive features of the project is a custom designed wall sconce created exclusively for Passage du Cafe. This lighting element consists of a fully demountable metal structure containing a central LED tube surrounded by transparent glass tubes. The fixture emits a soft, diffused light that enhances the atmosphere without dominating it. Beyond its visual presence, the sconce reflects an innovative approach to design, where maintenance, adaptability, and elegance are seamlessly integrated.

Sustainability is addressed through intelligent restraint rather than overt expression. By preserving the existing structure, the project minimizes material waste and reduces construction impact. This decision positions minimal intervention as a sustainable strategy in itself. Additionally, the use of nationally produced furniture, including classic Thonet style chairs, supports local industry while reinforcing the cafes European references. These lightweight chairs are oriented toward the street, encouraging interaction with the surrounding urban life. The reception of Passage du Cafe by the local community has been shaped by its emphasis on experience. The space invites visitors to slow down, observe, and enjoy without urgency. By prioritizing urban engagement, artisanal detail, and spatial clarity, Studio Petra has created more than a bar. Passage du Cafe becomes a social threshold where contemporary Cordoba meets the enduring rituals of cafe culture, offering a place of connection, pause, and understated beauty.