Embracing History
When Chernyi Cooperative Coffee Roasters leased the premises, they found builders already demolishing old historical bricks. Opting to preserve these bricks, they incorporated them into the cash register area, allowing cafe guests to connect with the site’s century-old history. This preservation effort aimed to honor the memory of the place and its rich historical significance.
Three Distinct Zones
The cafe features three distinct zones designed to cater to various needs and preferences:
- Buffer Zone: Positioned between the street and the cafe, this area resembles a city square, eschewing traditional seating for plywood cubes, benches, and tall concrete columns. It offers guests a quick coffee break experience.
- Bright Hall: Characterized by large windows and smaller tables, this area provides ample natural light and is ideal for casual meetings or leisurely gatherings around a large wooden table.
- Dark Room: Designed for patrons seeking a quieter ambiance for work or study, this space offers tables and a bench conducive to laptop use.
Urban Aesthetics and Brutalist Influence
Inspired by Belgrade’s brutalist architectural movement, the cafe embraces urban aesthetics. Large building shapes are reinterpreted and scaled down to become integral elements of the interior design. Construction materials like chimney blocks, paving slabs, and historical bricks are repurposed to craft furniture pieces and accentuate the cafe’s unique character.
Fostering Cooperation and Community
Reflecting the cafe’s philosophy of cooperation and inclusivity, a ribbon-shaped bench runs throughout the space, symbolizing unity and interconnectedness among visitors. This design element reinforces the cafe’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and shared experiences among patrons.
Historical Context and Restoration
Housed in a 1921 building near the last remaining Belgrade mosque from the Ottoman Empire era, the cafe’s interior design pays homage to its historical context. Restored windows, restored facades, and increased natural light honor the building’s heritage while creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for guests.
By seamlessly blending historical preservation, urban aesthetics, and a philosophy of cooperation, Chernyi Cooperative Coffee Roasters offers not just a place for coffee but a vibrant and inclusive community hub where history and modernity converge.
