Karavan, a café in Amsterdam symbol of a neighborhood

The Bellamy neighborhood was marginal compared to the city, but since the nineteenth century people have started migrating towards the outskirts like a caravan. Studio Modijefsky translated this journey into a concept of a bar and restaurant, hence the name Karavaan.

Karavan and the transformation of Kwakersplein

Karavan, the café located in the historic square of Kwakersplein in Amsterdam, has been reinterpreted by Studio Modijefsky with a project that combines design and storytelling. The square, once an industrial area outside the old city and later part of the Bellamy neighborhood, has undergone transformations that have strengthened its role as a meeting point. The continuous migration of people to this place has been a source of inspiration for the interior design, which evokes the movement of a caravan. Karavan thus becomes the symbol of a new way of experiencing public space, welcoming visitors in an environment that reflects nature, conviviality, and urban identity.

Natural landscapes as a guiding thread

The interiors of Karavan have been designed as an ideal journey through different natural landscapes, each characterized by distinctive colors, textures, and materials. Upon entering from the main vestibule, the eye is captured by a circular chandelier that defines the underlying lounge, serving as a starting point. From here, the space opens up in multiple directions, guided by chromatic changes and material details that suggest meadows, forests, swamps, or deserts. The whole creates an immersive sensory experience, where design and storytelling intertwine, transforming the visit into an exploratory journey that guides guests from one environment to another.

The bar: between lightness and conviviality

One of the most iconic spaces of the café is the bar, located on the right side of the entrance and characterized by a fresh and pastel palette. The herringbone wood floor guides visitors to the natural oak counter, enriched with white ceramic surfaces that evoke the sensation of being in a bright and light meadow. The bar changes its function throughout the day: in the morning, it welcomes those looking for a good coffee and a moment of pause, while in the evening it transforms into a social space dedicated to drinks and cocktails. This versatility makes the heart of Karavan a lively space always in dialogue with the needs of its guests.

The dining area: suggestions and intimacy

The dining area of Karavan stands out for a more intense and mysterious atmosphere, achieved through a combination of colors and materials that evoke aquatic landscapes. The glossy ceiling amplifies the light with reflections reminiscent of water surfaces, while the blue column and the stucco walls evoke the rough and vibrant material of a swamp. On the opposite side, overlooking the square, a dark purple ceiling and a custom-made curved bench create a cozy and welcoming corner. This area separates but at the same time integrates with the other spaces, completing an immersive journey that transforms Karavan into a unique place, where nature and design harmoniously interact.

Gallery

amsterdam coffee bar wood and ceramic coating counter

cafeteria amsterdam stools wood curtain entrance

cafeteria amsterdam stools and wooden counter cladding

cafeteria amsterdam stools table cladding wood

amsterdam coffee bank circular padded pastel colors

cafeteria amsterdam chairs and table wood pastel colors

cafeteria amsterdam lounge area armchairs red leather

PEOPLE

Studio Modijefsky

Sint Jansstraat 33 1012 HG Amsterdam Paesi Bassi