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side. It can shine a spotlight on hidden create a two-level cafe, providing an ulously considered by designers to
gems or create balance in the atmos- open dining area along the stairs as well enhance both the staff and customer
phere. Using lighting to their advan- as a more private upper mezzanine experience. Kijtanes believes if the
tage, TasteSpace can transform any above the counter. experience of the staff is enhanced, the
inconspicuous space to stand out and The gradient motif is accentuated customer experience will naturally be
create focus for each business. Gradi- throughout the cafe with rebars used as enhanced as well. The importance of
ent Toast is a prime example of how subtle decor and statement pieces on understanding the client and customer
TasteSpace utilises colour and lighting walls. To bring the sunset indoors, needs through research and under-
to create such an effect. TasteSpace created gradient light boxes standing culture is a process that can-
Gradient Toast is a cafe located to compliment the rest of the cafe’s not be overlooked.
in a corner building that could easily decor, bringing the colours to life. The These projects are great examples
blend in with nearby businesses. To level of detail that Kijtanes and his team of how design solutions can help build
make the building standout, Kijtanes pay attention to is awe-inspiring. Not a sustainable business that is both
and his team customised a metal facade only can design solve problems with functional and beautiful. TasteSpace’s
that covers the entire four- story build- functionality, but at the core of it is to obsession with details like how natural
ing. With a gradient of colours inspired evoke a deeper, transformative experi- lighting works with its environment or
by the heating and cooling of rebars, ence for its users. respecting the story behind each loca-
this created a feeling of the sunset These days, Gradient Toast has tion and bringing new elements to tell
constantly shining on the building. Not changed business direction, and is now its history is what makes their designs
only that, it effectively conveys what a space that celebrates modern Korean so evocative and full of meaning.
the cafe has to offer, as it resembles the music and Korean lifestyle culture. The Through storytelling, vision can
grills used to toast bread. new space may have moved away from become reality, through culture we can
When you step inside the cafe, being a cafe per se, but in terms of de- find comfort, and through colours and
the warm colours extend from the sign, the toasty sunset atmosphere and lighting we can lift moods and change
outside to the inside, as if you are in- the creative use of light and colour is behaviours. Perhaps the next time you
side the toaster. The colours, paired still ever present. enter your “third space”, take a moment
with lighting, create a toasty atmos- We can learn from TasteSpace that to consider your environment and re-
phere, providing enough brightness to designing a space is far more complicat- member that someone has also consid-
lift anyone’s mood. Although the cafe ed than we perceive. The amount of time ered the space you are in and designed
is quite small, TasteSpace was able to we spend in our “third space” is metic- it with your experience in mind.

Warm colours from the exterior
extends into the interior.
Gradient Toast Cafe, Bangkok Thailand

Through storytelling, vision can

become reality, through culture we

can find comfort, and through
colours and lighting we can lift

moods and change behaviours.

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