Study Hall Cafe & Bar

The streets of España in Manila are more recently becoming known to be home to several local cafe and bar scenes. The project is strategically located in one of these popular streets. The design challenge lies in its program; being both a cafe and bar. The space needed to foster an environment where users could relax and stay for work or study sessions during the day, but also host gatherings and parties in the evening. The design needed to help facilitate the seamless transition from day to night, as the operating hours would transition without closing in between. Elements that would be flexible aesthetically were chosen for this, such as an industrialist look with mismatched or vintage furniture. Existing details, such as an Art Deco-style barrier on the windows, and wood plank ceilings were preserved and integrated into the walls and bar counter to root the design into its past context. The layout of the furniture and booth seating is also designed to be conducive to both studying and after-school lounging. At night, a warm glow envelopes the bar with the neon lights that are hidden in plain sight on the various paintings and signages in the space, which literally ‘flips the switch’ from day-to-night and cafe to bar.

For completion August 2025.