Tag Archives: amsterdam

American Chain Taking an Artistic Stance on Cultural Expansion

17 Apr

Lately it seems the coffee giant Starbucks, is bombarding us with their attempt at the small-town coffee shop feel; Dim lighting, delicious brown leather couches, indie music playing in the background…

That is unless you find yourself at the Starbucks located in the small town of Dazaifu, Japan. Architect Kengo Kuma is redesigning the image of Starbucks in an attempt to add some culture to the American chain – incorporating Japan’s regional differences to complement the neighboring buildings along the road to the Dazaifu Tenmangu, a famous Japanese shrine.

This is only one amongst many cultural projects Starbucks has planned for their future as they continue to expand across the globe. Earlier this year, they opened an experimentally redesigned Starbucks in Amsterdam using only recycled and local materials. They have also announced further plans to branch out into France in the near future

Starbucks isn’t the only one who’s reinventing their recognizable image. McDonalds and Burger King seem to have similar ideas in regards to artistic cultural expansion.

-Post Written by Intern, Maya Allen

We happen to think this collaboration between artistic design and culture is beyond fabulous!

What are your thoughts? We’d love to know!

See you soon!…

A BIG THANKS!