Baka Cafe
2022 | Commercial
GRAYSCALE OFFICE
We know what we have to do. Something fun. Just walking, step by step, little by little.
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Baka Cafe
Our office faced an interior design commission for a 30-square-meter takeaway cafe in Rasht. From the outset, this project presented numerous challenges. The client's desire for a fully modern design, emphasizing dark materials, wood, and metal throughout the interior, combined with the small footprint, demanded a deep, research-driven approach. Within this limited space, we had to integrate temporary seating, a customer order area, and a section for ancillary product sales, which further added to the design's complexity.
The ultimate goal of our design philosophy was to evoke a familiar and pleasant feeling in the subconscious of the visitor. This sensation would be rooted in their memories and perceptions of local architecture, yet expressed through a completely modern language. This approach was built upon the aforementioned core design principles: "fracture, displacement, dynamism, angle shift, and purity."
"Fracture" and "angle shift" refer to breaking straight lines and introducing unconventional angles in surfaces and volumes. This not only helped visually define different functional zones within the cafe's small footprint but, inspired by Rasht's winding alleys and organic natural forms, also instilled a sense of vitality and visual depth. "Displacement" and "dynamism" signify visual movement and a lack of static arrangement in elements and forms. This evokes the vibrancy of urban life and local bazaars in Rasht, imbuing the space with a lively and dynamic energy.
01/06
Architectural Specifications
Project TypeCommercial
StatusCompleted
LocationRasht
Built Area30 m²
Year2022
ArchitectK.Nazari
TeamP.Nassirof · R.jahangard · N.Mahdavi · H.Hamdavi
01/06
Baka Cafe
Our office faced an interior design commission for a 30-square-meter takeaway cafe in Rasht. From the outset, this project presented numerous challenges. The client's desire for a fully modern design, emphasizing dark materials, wood, and metal throughout the interior, combined with the small footprint, demanded a deep, research-driven approach. Within this limited space, we had to integrate temporary seating, a customer order area, and a section for ancillary product sales, which further added to the design's complexity.
The ultimate goal of our design philosophy was to evoke a familiar and pleasant feeling in the subconscious of the visitor. This sensation would be rooted in their memories and perceptions of local architecture, yet expressed through a completely modern language. This approach was built upon the aforementioned core design principles: "fracture, displacement, dynamism, angle shift, and purity."
"Fracture" and "angle shift" refer to breaking straight lines and introducing unconventional angles in surfaces and volumes. This not only helped visually define different functional zones within the cafe's small footprint but, inspired by Rasht's winding alleys and organic natural forms, also instilled a sense of vitality and visual depth. "Displacement" and "dynamism" signify visual movement and a lack of static arrangement in elements and forms. This evokes the vibrancy of urban life and local bazaars in Rasht, imbuing the space with a lively and dynamic energy.
Unspoken
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Publications, Press & Architectural Research
Smart Home
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Form Evolution & Spatial TheoryGrayscale Office
Grayscale Office (GSO) is an architectural and spatial design studio based in Rasht, northern Iran. Our practice operates at the intersection of contextual memory and contemporary geometric abstraction.
We approach every commission—from compact retail pavilions to civic public halls—as an inquiry into how built space can evoke an intuitive sense of belonging. By synthesizing the climatic nuances of the Caspian littoral with rigorous computational detailing, our architecture creates quiet, poised environments calibrated for contemporary life.
Est. 2019 | Rasht, GuilanArchitecture · Interiors · Urban Research
Design Principles
01
Fracture & Angle Shift
Breaking orthogonal constraints to instill visual depth, inspired by the winding alleys and topography of northern Iran.
02
Displacement & Dynamism
Expressing visual movement and non-static arrangements that reflect the vibrant pulse of Caspian urban life.
03
Material Purity
Direct honesty in concrete, steel, dark timber, and local masonry without cosmetic ornament.
04
Vernacular Continuity
Reinterpreting traditional semi-open Talār verandas and natural cross-ventilation in contemporary language.
Team & Leadership
01
K. Nazari
Principal Architect & Founder
Leads conceptual development and architectural theory at GSO. Focuses on transforming local vernacular typologies through modern geometric abstraction.
02
P. Nassirof
Senior Architectural Designer
Specializes in spatial organization, structural systems, and material detailing across residential and commercial commissions.
03
R. Jahangard
Computational Design & Facade Systems
Directs environmental modeling, parametric skin development, and digital fabrication workflows.
04
N. Mahdavi
Interior Architecture & Joinery
Oversees tactile interior environments, custom acoustic millwork, and micro-spatial space optimization.
05
H. Hamdavi
Technical Coordination & Project Delivery
Manages engineering integration, construction documents, and site precision across Guilan province.
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Headquarters
Grayscale Office (GSO)
22 Bahman Boulevard, Lakani District
District 2, Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran
Geo: 37.2737° N, 49.5796° E
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Coordinates: 37.273678, 49.579568Rasht, Gilan Province, Iran
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