Cucuyo is a 3D printed cafe — part installation, part eatery — at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) which will open to visitors today. 

When 3D printing and the world of coffee have collided, there have been some interesting results. Whether it’s a 3D Printed Moka Pot or coffee filament, you’re guaranteed a buzz.

A cafe called Cucuyo is the latest example, made with industrial 3D printing robots. And better yet, this 3D printed cafe will also have a waterfront view.

Wondering what a 3D printed cafe actually is? It’s essentially a cocoon-shape structure which weighs 700-pounds. To manufacture this sizeable design, 3D printers played a big role. Sadly there won’t be any 3D printed filament or cups in sight.

But, in true art museum style, the cafe is both part installation, part bistro. Thankfully, the designers considered the needs of cafe-goers and installed the necessary electrical and plumbling. The full-service cafe will open from today, Thursday 28 September.

“We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind piece that served the community and provided another option to museum patrons and locals while complementing the architecture and design of the museum.”

Visitors to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) will now be able to buy an espresso to go along with their art. Or even a sandwich if they’re feeling peckish.

“We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind piece that served the community and provided another option to museum patrons and locals while complementing the architecture and design of the museum,” says Starr Catering Group representative Adelee Cabrera.

Coffee at Cucuyo with a Shot of Art

Cucuyo is the result of multiple international influences. Its name means firefly in Spanish, but it was manufactured by the Amsterdam-based MX3D.

The Dutch MX3D team used 3D printing and their industrial robot equipped with an advanced welding machine. The designers are a little closer to home as Cucuyo is a product of South Florida’s Berenblum Busch Architecture (BBA).

In fact, PAMM explains on their website that the structure and its name are reminiscent of the memory of chasing glowing click beetles around as children. Claudia Busch, from Berenblum Busch Architecture, explains that the name is whimsical, but the design is a lot more sturdy.

“It was a challenge to design a piece that was not only lightweight and easily disassembled for relocation but also fully functional.”

“It was a challenge to design a piece that was not only lightweight and easily disassembled for relocation but also fully functional,” she says. “That is why we decided to work with MX3D on manufacturing this project. Their unique technology allowed the construction of this site- specific piece that meets all structural requirements while seamlessly fitting into the PAMM environment.”

The final stainless-steel design certainly does the job. But, hopefully the 3D printed structure won’t be the only talking point. Hungry art-surveyors will be able to munch on a menu unique to Cucuyo, created by chef Kaytlin Dangaran.

Although Cucoyo’s permanent home is at PAMM, we hope that the light-weight, easy to disassemble frame could one day be on display across the world, making art museums a little less exhausting.

Source: Miami New Times