LEIPA CAFE

Leipä is translated to bread in Finnish. Bread is a staple at every meal served in Scandinavia and many other cultures around the world. In Finland and other Nordic countries, rye bread is at the center and serves as an important part of my heritage. This cafe invites those looking for a peaceful morning, afternoon or evening to enjoy a slow cup of coffee, a cardamon bun to go or a casual meal with others at our large tables and lounge chairs. Located in Tribeca, on the corner of Duane St and Hudson St across from Duane St Park, a small but luscious green park that will provide unique views of nature beyond the cafe windows. A typically quiet corner and neighborhood filled with a mix of young families and the occasional tourist. The average customer will be looking for an easy bite or drink, a place to meet up or work amongst others while being embraced in a traditional Nordic atmosphere and cuisine. 

This cafe is inspired by my own Scandinavian heritage. My desire to bring elements of the Nordic countries -Norway, sweden, denmark, Finland and Iceland- comes from my challenge to find a place here that evokes the qualities that I feel are unique to these cultures. The simple food served, in a relaxed but well designed setting and curated atmosphere is something that is commonly found throughout Scandinavia. Like in Denmark, Hygge, the danish word for coziness, is something that can not be directly translated. My goal with Leipa is to try to translate these elements and parts of the culture into a thoughtfully designed but yet unassuming cafe space. 


DESIGN PROPOSAL