Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2021
Ivy Café
by Neda Mirani
- A' Design Award 2021 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Neda Mirani
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 24,363
- Verification code 9C52B546B5 · Verify this award
About Ivy Café
Criteria such as economic efficiency, fast implementation and create a new atmosphere in town were important design challenges to consider, so focus on available resources in the project area was chosen as problem-solving approach. Assets that can meet the above demands and also improve the design quality. There are many cement block factories in this area. A modular material that can shape the project with all of the proposed criteria. Along with the pure texture and neutral color of the block, a supplement such as Ivy was chosen which plays an important role in the space vitality.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- There are many factories in Mazandaran region that provide cement blocks for construction projects of more than any similar material. This led to the selection of cement blocks, due to the abundance, reasonable price, modularity and pure texture it brings to the project. Also, by choosing this material, the different arrangement of the blocks can help a lot in creating different functions.
Choosing a material with a different texture and a neutral color, such as a block, required a reverse complement. Choosing a plant texture next to it, in addition to creating a colorful touch, also greatly contributed to the vitality of the space. Therefore, according to the conditions of indoor spaces, a plant called miniature ivy was selected, which is basically suitable for indoor spaces, and in case of favorable conditions, it grows a lot. This complement played such an important role that even The name of the cafe was chosen from it. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Total area is: 80 Sq. M.
- Tags
- cement block, ivy, cafe, Iran
- Production Technology
- It can be said that the main part of this project is through the presence of a pure material called cement block. It is complemented by other materials such as metal in combination with a living plant tissue.
- Design Challenge
- The spark of creativity in this project was created through the application of initial constraints. And it made us practice how to turn constraints into opportunities.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2020 and finished in July 2020 in Iran
- Operation Flow
- This design is an exercise in reviewing the use of materials and understanding their high capability in creating space.
- Research
- In this project, paying attention to the limitations, proper operation of the available facilities and adding a touch of creativity is the main design criteria.
- Inspiration
- What was required to start the project included: economic efficiency, fast implementation and create a distinctive atmosphere in the city. Providing all of these together posed an important challenge. To solve this challenge, the question that came to mind was: What this area have? Assets that can both meet these demands and enhance design appeal. For this purpose, there was a need to know the material that alone can form the overall body of the project and even play an important role in the components and furniture of the space. This removed the multiplicity of materials from the project and instead shifted the focus to creating diverse functions through the emergence of one material. Therefore, several important factors should be considered in the selection of this material, such as: 1- Abundance (because it should be available in large numbers due to the high level of coverage) 2- Low costs(the overall level of costs by choosing it should be cost-effective.) 3- Being structured (in order to act as a module in design) and in all these cases, the type of use should be different.
- Image Credits
- Photographer: Deed studio
Colors of Ivy Café
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G0E3 ShopGrand Interview about Ivy Café
Using cement blocks was not intended to be provocative, but rather honest. It was a straightforward, accessible material that matched both the project’s budget and the raw identity I envisioned. Its industrial quality helped the space stand apart from typical decorative café settings, while remaining grounded and contextually relevant.
The ivy plant was chosen for its visual softness and organic rhythm, in contrast to the rigid and repetitive form of cement blocks. It added a gentle layer of life to an otherwise static structure. The contrast was intentional—to bring emotional balance and invite a sense of quiet growth within a rough, minimal framework.
Clarity in design decisions from the start helped streamline the process. Instead of aiming for excess, we focused on doing fewer things well—working with existing materials, local labor, and avoiding unnecessary detailing. That economy of means made the process efficient without compromising the core ideas behind the space.
The arrangement of the blocks varied based on the functional needs of each area. In some places, they acted as semi-transparent partitions to define boundaries; in others, they served as table or counter bases. Elsewhere, they became stands for showcasing products or shelves for displaying smaller items. This repeatability and adaptability made it possible to create diverse spatial experiences within a compact space—without relying on multiple materials or complex structures.
Constraints forced a sharper focus. Rather than searching for new materials or extravagant details, I explored repetition, rhythm, and proportion within what we already had. That led to discoveries about how subtle shifts—like light, spacing, and layering—could create richness without adding complexity or cost.
We began by identifying what was essential and eliminating anything unnecessary. Clear zoning, multi-functional elements, and consistent material use helped keep the space visually calm and physically efficient. The repetition of the block structure also helped unify the space while allowing functional variety.
It confirmed that sustainability isn’t only about certifications or new technologies. Sometimes it’s simply about using what’s available, using less, and using it well. This project reminded me that constraints can be a resource, not a limitation—especially when guided by clarity and care in execution.
This project is one example showing that working with simple and cost-effective materials doesn’t necessarily compromise quality. Of course, many designers have explored similar approaches before. But reiterating these ideas in fresh, context-sensitive ways can help strengthen their presence in the design discourse. It’s not always necessary to choose the most expensive option to stand out—sometimes, doing the opposite, with a strong concept and execution, can be even more impactful.
Easy access to cement blocks in the Mazandaran region initially presented an economic advantage, but it quickly became part of the design logic. The material has a familiar presence in the local urban fabric, and that visual familiarity helped the project draw from its context rather than trying to disguise it—offering a refreshed interpretation of something already embedded in the environment.
Biophilic elements in this project were not extensive or decorative, but minimal and intentional. The experience showed that even subtle signs of nature—when placed thoughtfully and rhythmically—can enhance a sense of connection and calm in commercial spaces, without overpowering the overall spatial narrative.