2050 Coffee is a minimalist self-service coffee shop in Kyoto designed to raise awareness about sustainability issues surrounding the future of the drink.

According to architecture and interiors firm Teki Design, the coffee shop aims to interrogate “the 2050 coffee problem” – the fact that there could be a global scarcity of coffee the year 2050.

Teki Design created the interiors for 2050 Coffee in Kyoto

“Climate change might lead to a decrease in areas suitable for coffee cultivation,” Teki Design founder Tatsuya Nishinaga told Dezeen.

“The current practice of enjoying the drink at coffee shops may become more of a luxury,” added the designer.

The cafe features self-service machines

In response, Teki Design wanted to create a stripped-back interior for the cafe, where customers come and “learn about the future of coffee”.

2050 Coffee is spread over two open-plan levels and features large rectilinear windows on its facade, which reveal a monochrome interior.

Polycarbonate counters display the machines

Inside, smooth grey walls create a backdrop for curved and illuminated counters made from corrugated polycarbonate sheets, chosen for their “inexpensive and familiar” qualities.

“While this material is often used for shed roofs due to its low cost and accessibility, it reflects light beautifully,” said Tatsuya.

A small seating area features at one end of the ground floor

The counters display brightly lit self-service screens connected to sleek silver taps that produce five types of “sustainable” drip coffee in around 10 seconds.

Polycarbonate was also applied to the cafe entrance to create a large, rounded sign emblazoned with the 2050 Coffee logo, which acts as a beacon when seen from afar.

Upstairs, shelves display various coffee paraphernalia

A small seating area at one end of the ground floor was formed from understated black benches.

Upstairs, more dark-hued seating was arranged next to a series of low-lit, chunky frame-shaped shelves displaying various coffee paraphernalia.

The shelves are reflected in floor-to-ceiling mirrors, selected to add to the coffee shop’s futuristic feel.

As well as a cafe, 2050 Coffee is used as a space for various pop-up events that investigate coffee and sustainability.

Tatsuya warned that despite these issues, drinking coffee is becoming more popular worldwide, adding to the problem.

“As coffee consumption increases, particularly in Asian countries where tea has been the traditional choice, the balance between demand and supply may become disrupted,” he explained.

“Creating a place where people can first learn and then think together is what we consider our approach to problem-solving.”

2050 Coffee is positioned on a Kyoto street corner

Previously completed coffee shops in Japan include a Tokyo cafe in a former warehouse and another in Kyoto clad in rapidly oxidised copper.

The photography is by Kenta Hasegawa. 

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