For the sixth annual AZ Awards, our intrepid jury narrowed the field from over 800 submissions, received from dozens of countries, to select just 48 finalists that stood above the rest. In addition to presenting the AZ Award winners, Azure recognized these projects, products and concepts with Awards of Merit.
Only If has created a New York moment with this tiny, futuristic espresso bar in Manhattan. Founded by OMA alumnus Adam Snow Frampton, the project elevated a hole in the wall in the Fulton Street subway station by repurposing modest materials into slick finishes. The 51-square-metre interior is circular, seemingly inspired by a Star Wars cantina. The rounded walls are made of oriented strand board painted silver, and custom stools line low counters of perforated aluminum. In contrast, the focal point, a polished black marble counter, adds gravitas. Though the bar feels vaguely dystopian, its flair strikes a chord with the slightly alienated and caffeine starved.
Location: New York, U.S.
Firm: Only If, U.S.
Team: Karolina Czeczek, Matthew Davis, Adam Snow Frampton, Francesca Pagliaro, James Schrader, Jon Siani and Michael Vahrenwald
