Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a multidisciplinary firm specialising in the planning and design of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions, has received a Gold Award in Interior Design from the Muse Design Awards 2021, for its work at Lavazza in Factory 1895.
This follows the news that Factory 1895 for Lavazza was recently shortlisted for an ADC award in the Experiential Design category. This project builds on the portfolio of work that RAA has already done with the popular Italian coffee producer, including the design of the Lavazza Museum at the brand’s headquarters.
The home of speciality coffee
Factory 1895 is home to the brand’s new Lavazza speciality coffee label – 1895 Coffee Designers. This specially-selected coffee is roasted in Factory 1895 in Settimo Torinese, near Turin in Italy, and visitors can enjoy a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of the real, working factory. This dates back to 1960 and was renovated in 2019 to make it a state-of-the-art production centre.
The Factory 1895 experience was developed at the same time as the factory fit-out, meaning that the guest experience is cohesive. In keeping with the brand values of 1895 as a premium coffee experience, visitors journey through the multi-sensory process of coffee design, from bean to cup.
Along the way, they will discover how Factory 1895 is a hub of artistry with cutting-edge machinery and expert coffee designers, blenders and tasters, alongside an R&D lab.
“Factory 1895 is truly a work of art and here at 1895, we are all extremely happy for this important prize that reflects the hard work of the entire team,” says a statement from Lavazza. “RAA was an incredible partner and was able to really interpret the 1895 spirit to design an immersive coffee experience”
An award-winning project
“We are absolutely delighted that Muse has recognised our Factory 1895 design with this prestigious accolade,” adds Phillip Tefft, Director of RAA London. “And once again, what a pleasure it was to creatively collaborate with Lavazza on another award-winning project in Italy, celebrating the passion, innovation and artistry of crafting an exquisite coffee for the world to enjoy.”
“As a designer and an Italian, it was a personal privilege to have had the opportunity to continue working together with Lavazza, following on from our good work at the Lavazza Museum in Turin,” says Mirko Cerami, Project Director.
“The Factory 1895 visitor experience is another extraordinary journey through the coffee-making process wrapped up in Lavazza’s signature spirit of generosity, innovation and ‘Italianita’. To design an interpretive experience inside a live, working factory has been an exciting challenge – and to receive a Muse design award for the end result is a testament to Lavazza’s pioneering approach to sharing their stories with creativity and flair.”
Ralph Appelbaum Associates International was founded in 1978 and now has studios in New York, London, Berlin, Dubai and Beijing. The company plans, designs and produces award-winning museums, exhibitions and educational environments around the world.
RAA has worked with a number of well-known institutions, such as London’s Horniman Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the US, the Royal Alberta Museum in Canada and many more.
Top image © Filippo Marta – Karmachina
