Where do architects take their coffee?
Well, at GDP Architects in Bukit Damansara, they likely get their fix at the GDP Campus’ in-house coffee shop, Testing Ground.
Open to the public, this coffee shop is a collaborative effort between R+, which is GDP Architects’ design and research unit, and a roastery by the name of Artisan Roastery.
Curious to experience what a cafe in a notable architect firm’s office looks like, we paid the spot a visit.
Before we start roaming inside, though…
A jaunt on the outside
If you love brutalist, industrial designs, the GDP Campus is a must-visit building.
According to a Facebook post by GDP Architects, the team embraced “passive design principles”. This refers to a design concept that works with the local climate to maintain a comfortable temperature within the building.
This design principle culminates in the use of exposed concrete cores and vent blocks, placed on the west-facing facade. Meanwhile, the east side is designed with alternating concrete and double-glazed panels, optimising natural lighting and providing expansive views.
“Not forgetting the fifth facade,” the post elaborated, “The roof is equipped with photovoltaic panels, ensuring sustainable energy production for the building.”
Describing the building’s exterior as a quiet statement that blends seamlessly into the neighbourhood, the GDP Campus is a subtle testament and homage to the company’s forward-thinking design prowess.
Aside from glass and concrete, something that stands out is the bold red emergency doors. Somehow, they’ve managed to make these necessary safety elements look stylish.
Reintroducing some liveliness to offset the cool concrete, there’s a small garden to the side of the building, right next to the surau. With a pebbled path and lush foliage, we see this as an idyllic spot to unwind when the work stress hits.
Testing the Testing Ground
Featuring polished windows that mirror the surroundings, Testing Ground is easily spottable on the ground floor.
Described as “a place for experimentation of our everyday”, the cafe was concocted by R+ and is composed of three key components—coffee, curiosities, and curation.
“With the greater design community as well as its immediate neighbourhood context in mind, it aims to explore the intersections of these three components to bring about deeper investigations into our everyday lives,” GDP Architects posted about their cafe space.
Featuring a wine red and royal blue colour palette, Testing Ground appears rather unassuming at first, like any hip, modern cafe in KL.
But upon closer inspection, you’ll start seeing some interesting design elements at play.
In particular, it was the architecture of the space that stood out to us. For one, the coffee bar itself is encased in a boxy, angular structure, adding a dimensionality to the space while cleanly sectioning off the area.
There are also more custom-built structures in the seating area. There are three booths tucked into boxes, creating a cosy pod that’s perfect for either catch-ups, a one-on-one meeting, or a solo work sesh.
Meanwhile, the bigger counters are great for co-working, which makes a lot of sense considering the location.
Testing Ground borrows from the industrial theme of the building with concrete ceilings, light bulbs, and exposed piping.
Looking up, there’s a loft area above, supported by hanging trusses, making great use of the high double-volume ceilings.
As for the furniture, there are a lot of curved edges that contrast against the angular structures mentioned. There are touches of black surfaces and birch-toned wood amidst the bold blue and red that lend a neutral and modern vibe.
Test their drinks, too
For others who plan to drop by, note that visitors cannot park inside the complex. Instead, try to nab some street parking. As for the food and drinks offered, we only managed to try out some drinks. The Sunset (RM15) was a refreshing sparkler, while the iced white (RM15) was deliciously robust and milky.
If you do find yourself here, make sure you don’t just stop by for a cup of coffee. There’s plenty to explore on the campus.
For instance, from now until January 5, there’s an ongoing exhibition on chairs called “Please, Have a Seat”. Yes, chairs. No, it’s not boring at all; and yes, you can sit on many, many seats.
We weren’t able to pick the great design brains at GDP Architects this time, but hopefully we get a grand tour of the space one day.
Learn more about Testing Ground here.
Also Read: Inside: PARC, the sustainable and inclusive community hub project in Subang