Architecture and the Everyday: Analysing the Malaysian Cross-Cultural Coffee Spaces

Abstract

Although Malaysia is traditionally a tea-drinking nation, the global coffee culture has become an integral part of a “third” space in the country's urban and rural areas. The study highlights the shared qualities and cultural elements that shape the design and atmosphere of Malaysian coffee places, providing insights into their role as important social tools in the country. By exploring the spatial design and social meaning of these coffee places, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between architecture, cultural identity, and everyday life experiences in Malaysia. However, this study focuses on a limited number of selected coffee houses in specific regions of Malaysia. The findings should be interpreted within this context and may not capture the full diversity of coffee places across the country. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of architecture, culture, and social interactions, serving as a foundation for further exploration and appreciation of Malaysia's unique coffee culture