Ever wondered what goes into designing some of the most beautiful Starbucks stores in Asia? The creative minds behind these stunning cafés tell us more about how they envisioned these destinations as more than just a spot for a coffee break
Travellers have flocked to Starbucks outlets around the world as that familiar constant—a place for their favourite frappuccinos and other recognisable signature drinks, and also a place to people-watch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. It’s no secret that the interior design of these cafés has gotten even more noteworthy, with some of these coffee venues becoming noteworthy destinations that locals and tourists alike would especially visit for photogenic coffee breaks.
The Seattle-headquartered beverage brand has its own regional design team, led by talents the likes of Lucas Torresi, managing director of the store design studio at Starbucks Asia Pacific, and Sheena Wong, store design director at Starbucks Asia Pacific. Argentinian-born Torresi was influenced by his architect parents to enter the profession, and has been based in Asia for two decades after a life-changing stint in Vietnam. The architecturally-trained Wong, on the other hand, moved from Scotland to Asia to reconnect with her roots, and switched her focus from designing skyscrapers to retail design. Both talents are currently based in Hong Kong.
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Presently, their design team is designing several new stores across Asia Pacific in different formats that include the Starbucks Reserve, which is a site that houses a roastery as well as food, beverage and bar facilities, and the Starbucks Community Store, which works closely with social organisations to aid disadvantaged communities. “Our aim is to create new and interesting experiences while making a positive impact on every community where we open or renovate a store,” explains Torresi.
Here, Torresi and Wong tell us more about the finer details that go into the making of each venue’s design concept and shine light on some of the recent store openings in Asia.
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