AUX Architecture Studio & the art room Café & Gallery | AUX Architecture

Housed in a brick building from 1915, the art room café & gallery, along with AUX Architecture’s Studio is a creative place that aims to re-think how an all-day café, art gallery, and workspace can operate together. The main challenge was designing configurable space for a diverse range of users such as artists, architects, designers, baristas, chefs, musicians, photographers, and performers. The design focuses on achieving a high amount of flexibility so people can come together.

The building’s signature kinetic façade is custom designed and consists of three aluminum screens. One moves up and down, one left and right, and one stays in place. Designed to both identify and secure the building, there are four possible configurations: when the Studio and Café are both open or closed, and when one or the other is open or closed. The screens are also used to control the amount of light that filters into the building.

The building’s original warm red brick walls and concrete floors were refurbished and spaces within the Studio are defined by 14-foot-tall white walls. The main room features an open floor plan for 32 workstations. Private conference and meeting rooms, a kitchenette, lounge, and a mezzanine provide more space for staff to work and connect. The walls provide ample pin-up space for project sketches and allow studio members to collaborate. Floor to ceiling glass windows and doors provide access to both the Studio and the Café.

The art room’s dining area features a 50-foot-long stained walnut bar that seats 14, flexible indoor and outdoor seating for 40, and a bespoke installation of over a hundred glass bottles above the bar. The Gallery features a rotating show of artists throughout the year and café guests can access each show through the dining room. The Café and Gallery are both available for private events.