II.

Review of Related Literature

a. Overview: Coffee shops as studying and workplace

b. Studies of physical characteristics and design features

c. Interior design: Color schemes

d. Architectural lighting set-ups

e. Architectural acoustics

f. Ventilation techniques

A. Overview: Coffee shops as studying and workplace

Students and workers always seem to flock to coffee shops to study and work there.

According to a study by Mehta, Zhu & Cheema in 2012, individuals came up with more creative

product ideas when exposed to ambient sound at around 70 decibels the average volume of a

bustling coffee shop. Their research also showed that a semi-distracting background helps you

think more broadly and outside-the-box. Recent studies even claim that the whoosh of espresso

machines and caffeinated chatter typical of most coffee shops creates just the right level of

background noise to stimulate creativity.

Besides the enhanced creativity levels, the consumption of coffee in cafes increases energy

availability and daily energy expenditure. It decreases fatigue and the sense of effort associated

with physical activity. It also enhances physical, motor and cognitive performance. It also

increases alertness, wakefulness, and feelings of "energy". It decreases mental fatigue. It also

quickens reactions, increases the accuracy of reactions, increases the ability to concentrate and

focus attention, enhances short-term memory, increases the ability to solve problems requiring

reasoning, increases the ability to make correct decisions and enhances cognitive functioning

capabilities and neuromuscular coordination (Glade, 2010).

B. Studies of physical characteristics and design features

The physical characteristics and design features of a place creates its own identity and

greatly influence its place-identity (Proshansky, Fabian & Kaminoff, 1983). A study concluded

the top physical characteristics considerations include cleanliness, appealing aroma, adequate

lighting, comfortable furniture, and a view to the outside (Waxman, 2006).

Each coffee shop has its own unique design and treatment. This study will be focusing on

the physical characteristics and design features of well-known coffee shops in Cebu to obtain more
knowledge on how these architectural components with their specific design elements cause place-

attachment.

C. Interior design: Color schemes

Color schemes are an arrangement or combination of colors, especially as used in interior

decoration (Miller, 1997). They set a theme to a certain space, influencing its mood and atmosphere

(Bellizzi, Crowley & Hasty, 1983). According to Waxman in 2006, a number of themes emerged

related to people, their activities, and their feelings and attitudes regarding the coffee shop. She

also stated that each coffee shop was found to have a unique social climate and culture related to

sense of belonging, territoriality and ownership, productivity and personal growth, opportunity for

socialization, support and networking, and sense of community.

Every coffee shop has a theme with different color schemes. In this study, the researchers

will be studying the color schemes used in well-known coffee shops in Cebu, observe the common

colors used and analyze the psychology behind the usage of those colors.

D. Architectural lighting set-ups

Architectural lighting design is a field within architecture, interior design and electrical

engineering that is concerned with the design of lighting systems, including natural light, electric

light, or both, to serve human need (Steffy, 2002). Lighting is used to brighten up a space and set

the mood (Karlen & Benya, 2017). Three layers of light ambient, accent, and task lighting are

used to enhance a room's visual appeal (Descottes, 2011).

Each coffee shop uses different lighting set-ups according to their theme, Studying how

lighting set-ups affect and influence the efficiency and mood of a space will be useful in

understanding the lighting set-ups used in well-known coffee shops in Cebu.

E. Architectural acoustics

Architectural acoustics is the science and engineering of achieving a good sound within a

building (Cavanaugh, Tocci, & Wilkes, 2010). Acoustics impacts everything from employee

productivity in office settings to performance quality in auditoriums to the market value of

apartments, condominiums and single-family homes (Hassan, 2009). According to a journal article

by Mehta, Zhu & Cheema in 2012, ambient noise, an important environmental variable, can affect

creativity. In low levels, they can stimulate brain activity and enhance performance on creative

tasks. A high level of noise, however, reduces the extent of information processing and thus

impairs creativity.
 Like any other space, coffee shops also have their own unique architectural acoustics. Well-

designed acoustics in a coffee shop could be one of the reasons students and professionals alike

like to study and work there. In this study, the researchers will be focusing on the materials used

as acoustic barriers or reinforcements, and what effects these acoustical materials have on the

space.

F. Ventilation techniques

Ventilation is the provision and circulation of fresh air into a room (Oxford Dictionaries,

1989). The general purpose of ventilation in buildings is to provide healthy air for breathing by

both diluting the pollutants originating in the building and removing the pollutants from it. (Awbi,

2008). According to a compilation published by Robert Boyle & Son in 1899, ventilation can be

subdivided into two methods: natural and artificial ventilation. Natural ventilation is attained only

by fresh air and without mechanical systems while artificial ventilation is achieved by using

mechanical systems.

Ventilation technique is an important factor which affects the atmosphere of a space. The

researchers want to find out if well-known coffee shops in Cebu are using natural or artificial

ventilation in their design.

References

Books:

Ventilation. (1989). Oxford Dictionaries, (2nd ed). Retrieved from

http://www.en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ventilation

Karlen, M., & Benya, J. (2017). Lighting Design Basics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Descottes, H. (2011). Architectural Lighting: Designing with Light and Space. Princeton

Architectural Press.

Steffy, G. R. (2008). Architectural lighting design. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Miller, M. C. (1997). Color for interior architecture. New York: Wiley.

Eiseman, L., & Recker, K. (2011). Pantone the 20th century in color. San Francisco:

Chronicle Books.

Cavanaugh, W. J., Tocci, G. C., & Wilkes, J. A. (2010). Architectural Acoustics: Principles

and Practice. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Hassan, O. A. (2009). Building acoustics and vibration: theory and practice. New Jersey:

World Scientific.

Awbi, H. B. (2008). Ventilation systems: design and performance. London: Taylor &

Francis.

Compilations:

Natural and artificial methods of ventilation. (1899). London: Robert Boyle & Son, Ltd.

Journals:

Waxman, L., Ph.D. (2006). The Coffee Shop: Social and Physical Factors Influencing

Place Attachment. Journal of Interior Design, 31(3), 35-53. Retrieved July 26,

2017.

Mehta, R., Zhu, R., & Cheema, A. (2012). Is Noise Always Bad? Exploring the Effects of

Ambient Noise on Creative Cognition. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(4), 784-

799. Retrieved July 26, 2017.

Bellizzi, J. A., Crowley, A. E., & Hasty, R. W. (1983). The Effects of Color in Store Design.

Journal of Retailing, 59, 21-45.

Proshansky, H., Fabian, A., & Kaminoff, R. (1983). Place-identity: Physical world

socialization of the self. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 3, 57-83.

Glade, M.J. (2010). Caffeine-Not just a stimulant. Nutrition. Elsevier Ltd; 26(10):932-8.