Designed as a split-level café, deli and bakery, the name Giovane developed from a humorous advertisement by Italian designer Enzo Mari and translates as “young” in English.
Giovane is located on the street level of the recently opened Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. The space opens both to a main city street and directly into the hotel lobby.
Aside from a wide range of food items, Giovane also sells a collection of interesting and unique merchandise, both from local artisans and international designers. Including….books, linens, radios, children’s toys and clothes, dog toys, magazines and homewares.
To house and display the eclectic collection of merchandise the designers created a 68 foot long, full height millwork wall that runs the length of the café along a ramp connecting the two levels. The wall is made from walnut veneered panels that wrap onto the ceiling to conceal mechanical and lighting services while also creating a strong focus for the space.
The designers were responsible not only for the interior design of the space but also the logo and all of the branding for the café; from signage, coffee bags, cups and saucers and cake boxes to signature Giovane-branded t-shirts and a custom Vespa.
A 50 foot long communal counter was added along the café’s edge with large operable windows that engage the street.
The simple, quiet design of the café provides a haven in the visual chaos of the city. Giovane provides an elegant comfortable space to lose oneself in a good book or in conversation with friends.
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