Bonanza Coffee Alte Schönhauser
The fourth Bonanza shop in Berlin Mitte is a contemporary homage to the design language of the Italian Futurists, combining innovation with timeless materials to create a space that’s both forward-thinking and deeply rooted in architectural history. Drawing inspiration from the early 20th-century works of Antonio Sant’Elia, the design captures the Futurists’ visionary approach, using clean lines and bold forms to push the boundaries of conventional retail design.
Staying true to our design ethos, we restricted the material palette to just three core elements: stone, steel, and timber. This minimalism not only enhances the architectural clarity of the space but also strikes a harmonious balance between natural and industrial textures. The floating counters, a key feature of the design, are fully bespoke, crafted with precision by our expert team in the Netherlands. Made of solid oak and stainless steel, these sculptural pieces embody both strength and elegance, anchoring the space whilst maintaining a sense of lightness. Their form, directly inspired by Sant’Elia’s architectural sketches from the 1910s, conveys a dynamic sense of movement and modernity.
In addition to the custom furniture, the space is equipped with an acoustic ceiling, providing both visual interest and sound control, fostering a calm and inviting atmosphere. Lighting is by ERCO, whose high-precision fittings add subtle drama and highlight key areas within the shop. The reclaimed natural stone floor, sourced from a historic Belgian church, brings not only a sense of history and character but also grounds the otherwise sleek and modern design, adding warmth and texture beneath the feet.
The result is a thoughtfully curated environment where craftsmanship meets concept, offering patrons a truly immersive, design-led experience that is unmistakably Bonanza Coffee Roasters.
Photography: Mathilde Karrèr
Project team: Marick Baars, Kirill Borisov, César Trujillo Moya, Hazel Neithercut, Marielle Kiessig
Year of completion: 2022