Kavarna Rog

The brand Rog is a term in Slovenia. It is no coincidence that the café (kavana) Rog carries the same name on the corner of Petkovškého embankment along the Ljubljanica River. More generally, the café is located at the eastern end of the city center, right on the site of the former bicycle factory of the same name, from which a cultural center of Ljubljana is set to grow in the future according to the competition proposal of Slovenian-Spanish architect Boris Bezan from the MX_SI studio. The tendency to expand the city center is an initiative of the current mayor of the city, Zoran Janković, and this project reflects that vision. The investor's requirement was to create a place offering good coffee in a pleasant atmosphere for people living in the city as well as visitors to Ljubljana, open until late at night. To design an ambient space referring to current design trends. The reference of the place is supported by the graphic representation of the café's logo and café accessories. On each table, in addition to the menu, there is also a squared paper pad with an attached pencil. The space employs a play of dark and light tones. The light color of the cladding wood is used on the seat cushions, built-in shelves, and ledges in contrast to the dark leather that wraps around the wall surfaces in the back and the floor. Large hexagonal tiles have a subtle 3D pattern. The same tiles are also used on the restroom walls. An accentuating element in this color scheme is copper and its association with the traditional vessel for preparing original Turkish coffee, which has a lasting tradition in the Balkans even among younger generations. The space is filled with spherical mirrored lamps suspended from the ceiling in shades of copper, creating a pleasant warm atmosphere. The layout of the café has the shape of the letter L. The back room and restrooms are located in the inner corner of the plot. Behind the unbroken original entrance and glass vestibule is a 6-meter long bar counter, with a corner showcasing pastries. The space of the two rooms is divided into four sections. A variation of benches with stage seating and floor-level seating parallels the bar, which features a wine offer and a periodical library. The back room has a more intimate character with comfortable retro armchairs for more personal conversations, which unfortunately are interrupted by the passage to the restrooms. Quite large café tables also serve as a workspace for customers. Despite the busy traffic artery lining the building from the side, the staff manages to create a pleasant atmosphere with their friendly behavior and good taste in selecting jazz music.