Training Center Lavazza

Vilnius 2016
INTERIOR DESIGN

Tailor-made design enhances as well as rationalises Lavazza’s Training Centre in the Lithuanian capital.

Drawing on the company’s previous experience in the Baltic region, Lavazza was keen to increase its commercial presence in Lithuania, a country in rapid economic expansion. Young, unconventional and economically vibrant, Vilnius was therefore the ideal city.

The proposed location was unfortunately too small for the typical floorplan of a Lavazza Training Center. So, Lavazza and studio Isidoro Mastronardi Architetto faced this challenge head on by deconstructing the standard layout into smaller sections, trying to accommodate all necessary facilities: reception, training areas, skilldevelopment with equipment and behind the bar counter, tasting area and showroom.

This project relies heavily on tailormade furniture: all bar counters have been especially designed so that a tutor can easily demonstrate the tasks of a barman. The tables and chairs of both the brewing area and the offices might be smaller than the norm but do not economise on style, preserving the distinctive top-quality of the Italian brand. In fact, the Vilnius Training Center combines several features of the company from Turin, such as its attention to preserve tradition, a characteristic of products “Made in Italy”, functional presentation and professionalism.

Oversized photographs, which convey the brand’s distinctive ambience, decorate the walls of the entire Training Center, complementing the polished, professional equipment in steel.

The result is a treasure-trove with two distinctive areas which bring life to the Training Center: a miniature lightfilled space with white walls, decorated with the pictures which represent the brand the most; the flooring has rectangles in the same shade of coffee, which also complement the seating, and then there are crystal panes which act as room dividers. The aim of this design is to foster human relationships, whether they are interpersonal, professional or business related, in an international context open to new ideas, the perfect setting for the warm hospitality associated with the world of Italianmade coffee.