DUCA || Redefining the Coffee and Appetizers Experience in Buenos Aires
In the heart of Buenos Aires, where coffee and appetizers reign supreme, a brand-new sanctuary has emerged, fusing trends and bringing the distinctive Italian concept of "apericena" to the fore.
It is a colourful refuge named DUCA – a place that effortlessly marries gourmet tapas with specialty coffee, offering a reprieve from the humdrum of the everyday.
Cafe aficionados will appreciate the meticulous detail and fresh approach that DUCA brings to the table, all thanks to the combined creative efforts of OHIO Estudio, Tricota Agency, and Estudio Ripani.
The cafe exterior sports a bold blue.
Breaking Away from the Norm
While the classic cafeteria aesthetic leans heavily on wood and industrial elements, DUCA boldly steps into a realm where colour, texture, and curved lines take center stage. It's a response to the hustle and bustle of modern life – where takeaways are the norm, and moments of pause are fleeting. DUCA challenges this routine, beckoning visitors to immerse in an emotional experience, elevated by its riveting interplay of materials and textures.
If you enjoy basking in the sun, the outdoor seating is ideal. Those who love the outdoors but prefer to sip their coffee in the shade can visit the second-floor terrace. If you are invigorated by the aromas of freshly made coffee? The indoor seating area lets you take it all in.
Every element from the chairs to the flooring pack a punch in telling the DUCA story.
A Symphony of Color and Design
The identity of DUCA is grounded in simplicity, letting the design's inherent beauty shine without the weight of unnecessary embellishments. This simplicity, however, does not compromise the space's richness. A harmonious palette comprised of cool blues, punctuated by pops of pink and complemented by wood, creates an inviting, warm ambiance.
Each element within the establishment, from the bespoke chairs to the cups, has been thoughtfully curated. The store features distinctive pieces, harmonizing the general structure and feel of the space. The fixed furniture, the modulation of covering panels, the luminaire, and the bar are a testament to DUCA's commitment to impeccable design. Notably, the bar cleverly demarcates the barista and bartender zones, further establishing the brand's unique identity.
Seating area by the window integrates circular blue tables.
Journey Through DUCA
DUCA is not merely a place to dine and sip; it's a holistic journey. As visitors approach, they're greeted by a vibrant pink neon sign—a prelude to the design symphony within. The entrance showcases a custom-made terrazzo floor, leading patrons into a world where furniture curves exude fluidity and a pink-hued stairway illuminated by a red circular neon light beckons.
Even the exterior offers a respite. The terrace, overlooking a canopy of treetops, provides a serene spot to relish DUCA's offerings. And, in an often-overlooked space, even the restrooms surprise and delight with varied textures and curved mirrors.
The terrace on the second floor.
DUCA – Caffe and Apericena is not just another addition to Buenos Aires' thriving café culture. It's a redefinition, a fresh perspective, and, most importantly, an experience. For those who appreciate the nuances of interior design and seek spaces that inspire and elevate, DUCA awaits your presence.
The colour and material palette extend into every corner of the space including the colourful restrooms.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project’s Name: Duca – caffe & apericena
Architecture Offices: OHIO Estudio + Estudio RIPANI
Architects: Felicitas Navia (OHIO Estudio | Instagram), Lucas Ripani (Estudio RIPANI)
Team: Felicitas Navia, Lucas Ripani, Roxana Paik, Martina Perez Campi, Irina Teitelbaum (drawings)
Branding : Agencia Tricota
Construction management: Felicitas Navia + Lucas Ripani
Photography: Javier Agustin Rojas
Location: Thames 1759, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Construction term year: 2019
Built Surface: 60 (m2)
