Ü Athens is an all-day café bar, designed by Karn studio. The main focus of the design was the minimalist side of forged cement. Colours, textures and materials are inspired by this idea, updated with contemporary details.
-text by the authors
Ü Athens is an all-day café bar, located in the center of Athens, at Kaisariani region. The Ü shape, logo of the store, derives from the quote “na hamogelas” which in Greek means “to smile” and reflects the store’s philosophy. The welcoming quote at the entrance of the store is loud and clear.
The main focus of the space is the minimalist side of forged cement. Colors, textures, and materials are inspired by this idea, updated with contemporary details. Tiles create a strip that traverses the space and lines from led lights create an ambient atmosphere, day and night. As all the details matter, focal points are visible, like for example the electrical and ventilation network, that maintain the industrial character of the internal space.
The store can be entered either from the main entrance or from the side entrance that has four folding doors. At the main entrance, a big window with a bench creates a vivid façade. Simple, playful, and versatile stools made of recycled plastic, custom-made tables, and benches made of inox and brass, create a welcoming seating area.
Branding details such as the movable led signage and the iridescent sticker at the entrance door are subtle highlights amongst the cement surfaces. Together the elements glow from within an elegantly restored architecture that evokes the atmosphere of a contemporary all-day space.
Don’t forget to smile!
Plans
Facts & credits
Project title: Ü Athens
Project type: Interior transformation
Location: Kaisariani, Athens, Greece
Size: 37m2
Status: completed
Design: Karn studio | Karagianni Nancy
3D modeling: Lazaridis Dimitris
Identity: Xistris George
Photography: Palaskos Thanos
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