Group 07 HART HAT CAFE (Posted 12 May 2026 15:52) – MSA LIVE 26

Back in the Room, Back to Work
/Intensive Week Day 1/

First day back after the break (submissions), and it was basically a big group reset. We finally caught up in the same room, compared where everyone’s at, and switched from “planning mode” to actually getting on with the work. Proper action week oomph.

Massive shoutout to Rahat - he got the structure in place before we even properly sat down, so we didn’t waste half the day deciding how to decide. We shared precedent studies and references (projects, materials, structural systems, layouts, circulation, etc.), and having everyone’s preferences on the table really helped. It meant we aligned quickly and kept the design language consistent.

At the same time, we started setting up the publication properly: layout, structure, colours, and how we want the graphics to look and read. Once we saw everyone’s working styles in action, we started assigning tasks in a way that actually makes sense, matching people to sections, visuals, and production roles so the workload stays clear.

Then we got into the practical design ideas. We pulled out site drawings, started talking materials in a more “real” way, with actual dimensions, how it would be built, and what’s feasible. From there it quickly turned into spatial decisions: what the experience should feel like when you approach and enter, how the cafe/bar and event space might sit together, and how the layout can flex between everyday use and pop-up activities. We started sketching rough plans for function and circulation, thinking through thresholds, queuing/serving, storage and back-of-house, and how people move through the space. We also began testing form and massing ideas, including flat vs pitched roof options, and how the structure could stay lightweight and movable while still feeling inviting and proper in the town centre. Still early, but Day 1 felt like we went from references, to decisions, to a shared direction for the proposal.

Posted 12 May 2026 15:52

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