Bawa

A purveyor of specialty coffee and exceptional food in Melbourne’s inner east, Bawa set out to invite patrons to take time out, relax, and refresh. Foolscap took inspiration from Tropical Modernism, a late 20th century colloquial architectural movement from southern Asia. In turn, it was only fitting that the establishment take its name from the godfather of the movement, Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Bawa understood the relationship between the natural world and the built environment. Foolscap’s design for the space reflects this philosophy: abundant greenery, an expansive suspended lighting installation with integrated planters, and a palette of organic materials — including timber, leather, and natural travertine —define the environment, while neutral tones create a calming, cooling effect.

In homage to local indigenous term ‘booroondara’, meaning ‘place of shade’, Bawa has become the most popular destination of its kind in the locality and is an oasis amongst the greater urban fabric and streetscape.