Same smooth coffee, more than 20 intentionally different spaces around Vancouver and Toronto. Each JJ Bean location has a unique design story that’s drawn from its building or the local community. Like the company, JJ Bean cafés seek to add value to neighbourhoods. Authentic representation of these ‘hoods is a key element of the design. As a practice, DIALOG has been a part of the JJ Bean story from its inception to now. Each location is a little different, but is distinctly JJ Bean – and distinctly DIALOG.
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
- Client
- JJ Bean
- Completion
- 2016
- DIALOG Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Required structural upgrades enabled the designers to amplify the space of this long-standing neighbourhood general store.
Light floods through large skylights and sliding patio doors. These doors blur the edges of interior / exterior and connect the shop with the community.
The pre-existing and crumbling external wall and mural were important to the neighbourhood. The new wall bares colours pulled from the mural to pay homage to that visage.
The shape of the windows of the heritage fau00e7ade cued a response of the vaulted butterfly ceiling indoors. These emphasize both the size and texture of the space.
The shape of this shiny wall scoops in light from the windows and illuminates the room, while travertine stone walls and reclaimed timber create a balanced atmosphere.
A more relaxed environment in Vancouver’s West End.
The UBC café provides an explorative space with space for both study and conversation. The ground floor services patrons for transient experiences and public engagement.
The meandering circulation route is a metaphor for university life. Its non-linear path leads students through the different opportunities of respite.
A wood-enclosed stair shroud leads to an adventurous upstairs with its variety of seating experiences.
This location reflects its urban setting, amongst office buildings and condo towers.
Sophisticated and refined upstairs seating.
Art Deco inspiration and design influences in the historic Marine Building.
Sophisticated and sleek.
Two levels of seating, and room for meetings over coffee.
Tree trunks and blue backgrounds reflect the inspiration for this location: the nearby forests and ocean.
The design team made the most of the long and narrow space.
The upscale décor of the Dunsmuir St. café is befitting its location in the heart of Vancouver’s business district.
Heavy structural elements add a unique industrial feeling that compliments the ornate finishes.
The Team
Brady Dunlop, Principal-in-ChargeWe’ve been provided with a very rare opportunity to work with a single company and to form an integral part of their growth. Each of the 23 JJ Bean projects was recognizable as part of a single brand but distinct and clearly tailored to unique conditions.
Heavy structural elements add a unique industrial feeling that compliments the ornate finishes.
Clean and contemporary furnishings play off the menagerie of materials in the space.
The upscale décor of the Dunsmuir St. café is befitting its location in the heart of Vancouver’s business district.
… making this, and each, café feel like the community’s lounge.
Each JJ Bean strives to exhibit the neighborhood they’re in. The edge of this roof shows sea meeting mountain…
North Vancouver’s Lonsdale café brings the outdoors in, celebrating the area’s rainforest.