Sustainable Material Choices in Café Design: Enhancing Brand Identity and Environmental Responsibility

Abstract

The urgency of sustainability has reshaped how public spaces, including cafés, are designed and experienced. Buildings and interiors account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making material choices a critical environmental concern. In Indonesia, cafés have become cultural hubs, amplifying the impact of design decisions. While global advancements in biophilic design, circular material reuse, and green certifications set new standards, few studies examine how sustainable materials influence consumer perception and brand identity in café settings. This study addresses that gap through a mixed-method approach—literature review and a questionnaire with urban café visitors. Results show that natural materials like wood and bamboo enhance both environmental responsibility and emotional appeal, fostering trust, comfort, and modern values. Green features such as recycled finishes and efficient lighting further strengthen brand authenticity. Sustainable materials thus operate not only as ecological solutions but also as experiential branding tools, offering cafés competitive and ethical advantages.