Designing the Coffee Shop

This study explored the physical and social
characteristics that encourage gathering behavior in
coffee shops. The study is primarily qualitative
using the techniques of visual documentation,
observation, behavioral mapping, interview, and
survey research. The findings are presented in four
categories including preferred physical attributes
of the coffee shops, characteristics of the people
who frequent the coffee shops, the activities that
took place there, and the feelings and attitudes of
the patrons. The most important physical
characteristics include cleanliness, appealing
aroma, adequate lighting, comfortable furniture, and
a view to the outside. Regarding the people and
their activities, feelings, and attitudes, findings
showed people valued the opportunity to linger,
interact with regular patrons and staff. Patrons
enjoyed the social environment of the coffee shop,
and the support that was afforded them by other
patrons and staff. The coffee shop became a
home away from home for many. Overall, a strong
sense of place attachment existed for those who
frequented the coffee shop.

Autorentext

Lisa K. Waxman, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Department of Interior Design at Florida State University. Her research interests include environment and behavior, specifically issues of place making. She is an NCIDQ qualified interior design, a licensed interior design in Florida, a member of IIDA, EDRA, and a Fellow of IDEC.

Klappentext

This study explored the physical and social characteristics that encourage gathering behavior in coffee shops. The study is primarily qualitative using the techniques of visual documentation, observation, behavioral mapping, interview, and survey research. The findings are presented in four categories including preferred physical attributes of the coffee shops, characteristics of the people who frequent the coffee shops, the activities that took place there, and the feelings and attitudes of the patrons. The most important physical characteristics include cleanliness, appealing aroma, adequate lighting, comfortable furniture, and a view to the outside. Regarding the people and their activities, feelings, and attitudes, findings showed people valued the opportunity to linger, interact with regular patrons and staff. Patrons enjoyed the social environment of the coffee shop, and the support that was afforded them by other patrons and staff. The coffee shop became a home away from home for many. Overall, a strong sense of place attachment existed for those who frequented the coffee shop.