Cartel Cafe Roastery

T The lighting design for the small-scale project Cartel Café was developed with the aim of creating an inviting atmosphere that deeply influences the human experience. In this project, light functions as a fundamental element in defining space and shaping social interactions. It not only enhances the aesthetic and functional qualities of the environment but also has a profound impact on users’ emotions and behaviors.

The lighting strategy was carefully designed to illuminate each part of the café in a way that evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of safety. Varying intensities of light across different zones subtly guide this emotional experience, enhancing the spatial quality and atmosphere.

One of the most distinctive features of this design is the use of broken linear lights extending from the café entrance toward the mirrored counter. This dynamic flow of light not only creates a sense of movement and energy but also acts as a visual guide, leading customers deeper into the space. This subtle directional cue reinforces the sense of depth and orientation within the café. The entrance, notably left unlit, allows for human silhouettes to appear vaguely and indirectly, creating a theatrical scene of presence and activity within the café.

Overall, the lighting design of this café thoughtfully balances aesthetic appeal with human experience and social interaction. Light, as a design tool in this project, does more than define space — it establishes an emotional and behavioral connection between people and their environment. The result is an engaging visual and social experience that draws users into an immersive spatial narrative.

Architectural Design:
Amin Bahtooei, Motahare Fakhari