Café Poca Cosa
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson’s most celebrated Mexican restaurant had an open patio, exposed to sun and rain, with only a low railing between it and pedestrians and cars. We designed a canopy to fit neatly into this awkward space, and a screen that would create a more intimate and controllable patio but not separate the restaurant’s vibrant activity from this important downtown corner. The canopy is built of translucent polycarbonate and steel, enclosed by perforated aluminum screens. Pedestrians get glimpses into the patio, while restaurant patrons enjoy a sense of intimacy and enclosure.