3al Raseef

3al Raseef — عالرصيف — means "On the Sidewalk." It's a social bar concept that reimagines the Saudi drive-thru café as a place worth stepping inside.

The Brief

The client wanted more than a coffee shop. They wanted a cultural anchor — a space where Hijazi heritage could live alongside contemporary social rituals. Music, books, coffee, and conversation, woven into an immersive framework rooted in the identity of Al-Balad.

Cultural Canvas

The ground floor of 3al Raseef weaves tradition into every detail. An extruded wall carries classic geometric patterns. Stair handrails are wrapped in threaded panels and embroidered fabric — materials drawn directly from Hijazi craft traditions. Tables feature mosaic designs inspired by the historic houses of Al-Balad, topped with miniature heritage buildings reimagined as lamps.

A proposed facade of colored and patterned glass completes the scene, casting vibrant reflections across the interior that shift with the light throughout the day — a celebration of culture and craft in motion.

The Loft

Ascending the spiral staircase, the loft level unfolds as two distinct zones.

Archives & Reads is dominated by a striking bookshelf filled with curated Arabic and regional literature. It invites visitors to pause, browse, and engage with stories that echo the spirit of 3al Raseef — where knowledge, coffee, and culture intersect. Adjacent to it, a semi-enclosed photobooth offers a playful yet intimate space to capture personal moments, framed by soft lighting and subtle textures.

Between a Note & a Sip centers around a record player and vinyl collection. This intimate zone invites visitors to slow down, choose a vinyl, and let music shape their coffee experience. It's a sensory pause — where each note enhances the flavor of a sip, and each track becomes part of the atmosphere.

Design Identity

The material palette grounds the space in earthy tones — warm grays, natural stone, and weathered textures — punctuated by bold teal and turquoise accents drawn from traditional Hijazi architectural detailing. Every element, from the mosaic tabletops to the mashrabiya-inspired facade screens, serves the narrative: this is a place rooted in the culture of the sidewalk, elevated into an experience worth lingering over.

Together, these elements create a living archive of people, stories, and sidewalk memories — fostering openness, curiosity, and meaningful pause within the everyday.