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Designed by Estudio Guto Requena, the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship store is a temporary commercial space located in a public park in São Paulo, Brazil. The project was created for the launch of Nescafé’s Dolce Gusto “Neo” coffee machines and pods, which feature recycled ocean plastics and biodegradable capsules.
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The flagship store was designed using parametric design and fabricated using biodegradable 3D-printed materials. Parametric design used computer software that employed algorithms to create complex, intricate geometries. One such example of this is the building’s base, which uses a parametric waffle form that is milled using a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine. Because of these features, this building is the first of its kind in Latin America.
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The prefab structure is made of glue-laminated timber (GLT) made of pine. These were carefully cut to minimize waste. This was then capped with a lightweight 3D-printed shell. After the building serves its purpose in the next two years, it will be dismantled. The wood will be recycled and the biodegradable plaster shell will be crushed. This nutrient-rich powder can then be used as an agricultural fertilizer and will provide soils with calcium and sulfur to boost plant growth.
Moreover, the design stems from the coffee flower’s five petals, which come together to create a dome that is formed along five axes. In the center of the space, a round skylight brings in natural light and creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a temple with a biomimetic form. This creates a space with five entrances, equal in size and hierarchy. The entrances are flanked with glass to offer 360 degrees views out to the surrounding park.
To organize the interiors, the five “flower petals” that create the overall form serve as spaces for product displays. A circular screen made up of five LED panels showcases digital content.
Through its construction and location in a public park, the space achieves two key design intentions. Firstly, the project is accessible to the public and open to all. Secondly, the project’s design showcases the vast possibilities of sustainable design. The space encourages observers to reflect on how we design for the future, especially given the current climate crisis. This includes the use of innovative technologies and renewable materials.
Images via Leonardo Finotti