The Slow
FRAMA presents its newest project: The Slow; a versatile concept space resulting from the practice’s offer of complete Interior Management, involving development of site-specific design solutions and curation of sur-mesure scenography. In close collaboration with its commissioner, the location has been transformed from an old traditional café to a new contemporary concept store.
Located in Mar Mikhael, this concept store is situated in a district filled with restaurants and cafés located in Beirut, Lebanon. The Slow hosts visitors who desire to spend time in a space by eating, shopping or working by oneself or with company. The store realizes the life-long dream of commissioner Sari Kassouf, an architect with a repertoire dominated by residential projects, now turned concepteur. Being the first of its kind to take place in its area, the slow living concept store exceeds the expectations of the city’s café culture by offering more than a typical café; but a space for leisure, work, and shopping.
The vision for the space is to be of versatility for its visitors. It is intended to be an open door throughout the day and evening to spend time according to the preferences of the visitor. FRAMA was commissioned to execute the project for their sense of materiality and a shared aesthetic preference with the commissioner. The project has been executed with the aims of creating a calm atmosphere zoned for various activities from socializing for a quick coffee to a longer stay hang out. The architecture of the space is characterized by open spaces pronounced by grids of interesting textures in a muted color palette.
The Slow takes over the location of one of the oldest cafés of Mar Mikhael. In close collaboration with on-site architects, the space underwent careful incisions to the existing architecture in order to serve the new users. The construction site was prepared with a well-versed competence and extensive understanding of materiality that supported the execution of the project. The great relationship between the on-site professionals and our practice enabled an efficient project management from afar with occasional visits by FRAMA.
Located in Mar Mikhael, this concept store is situated in a district filled with restaurants and cafés located in Beirut, Lebanon. The Slow hosts visitors who desire to spend time in a space by eating, shopping or working by oneself or with company. The store realizes the life-long dream of commissioner Sari Kassouf, an architect with a repertoire dominated by residential projects, now turned concepteur. Being the first of its kind to take place in its area, the slow living concept store exceeds the expectations of the city’s café culture by offering more than a typical café; but a space for leisure, work and shopping.
Photography by oneoverstudio.
