The cafe’s look & feel celebrates De Bijenkorf’s refined identity and the building’s architectural grandeur. Bold shapes and monolithic volumes are balanced with translucency, crafted details and a layering of dark and light materials. A series of mesh screenings, inspired by the brand’s iconic hive pattern, intuitively divide the space and curate in-store views from outside.

Retail transitions into the cafe area with a varied seatingscape for different preferences. The patrons can watch the world go by at the window seating, linger at the cozy banquettes or enjoy a quick coffee at the tables in the middle. The all-day food bar is a destination at the back, offering hot bites, sandwiches, pastries and drinks. The retail cabinets continue into this area as a scenographic backdrop for the counter.

© Tank Studio, Rotterdam 2019