Title: Beyu Caffe
Location of Proejct: Research Triangle Park, NC
Project Completion Date: 2021
Firm Name: EVOKE Studio

Short Description: Beyu Caffe at Boxyard infuses a compact space—3 shipping containers totaling 960 SF—with the unique energy the local, African American-owned company is known for. Beyu aspired to bring their signature downtown vibe and community-focused mission to Research Triangle Park—a slice of Downtown infused with the spirit of Black Wall Street. A custom mural wall created from Beyu’s logo welcomes patrons and provides a historical map of Durham. The shipping containers are stitched together via a series of millwork interventions that slide in and around the containers, offer seating, and create walls for the display of local art.

Architect's Statement: Beyu Caffe has been a staple of Downtown Durham since its flagship location opened on Main Street in 2009. Since then, the locally owned business has expanded to multiple locations in Durham and Duke University. This project is the business’ first venture beyond Durham: a new location as a vendor in the Boxyard RTP retail space.
As Beyu exports their downtown vibe, jazz club history, and carries the torch of Black Wall Street’s entrepreneurial legacy beyond the borders of Durham, it is fitting that the café is presented within three shipping containers. Despite 960 total square feet within three 8’ x 8’ x 40’ volumes and predetermined openings, a full-service café plus seating was achieved. The design divides café program into compartmentalized functions—take, serve, and stay—each with their own respective built-in object that slides within the container volume. Leaving the container walls exposed maximizes floor area in a constrained floor plan and highlights the café concept as a kit of parts that come together to create the Beyu Caffe experience within a rigid plan format.
These constructions are placed in accordance with existing openings such that the circulation is drawn out to compensate for longer queues and to direct movement between containers. Plywood-framed openings provide visual connection between café service and long-term seating; isolating circulation from this area increases visitor comfort while maintaining visual continuity.
In sync with their intentional locations and ability to highlight the legacy of Black Wallstreet in Durham, the expansive mural in this new location extends Beyu’s storytelling of Black Wallstreet’s deep history. The community wall conveys Durham’s rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship by featuring key people and places from Black Wall Street’s origins. The entire graphic is created from Beyu’s branding.