Gensler translates Café Joyeux’s social mission into an eatery in New York City

Since 2017, Café Joyeux has provided job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). The nonprofit, which operates 19 locations throughout Europe, just opened a new restaurant in New York City, marking its first location in the U.S.

The new cafe was designed by Gensler inside the ground-level of a Lexington Avenue office building. The 2,500-square-foot space is washed in Café Joyeux’s signature yellow. It features distinctive signage and bold colors that invite passersby indoors. The venue can seat up to 50 guests at tables, banquettes, and a long counter.

Aesthetics and a strong social mission intertwine at Café Joyeux’s New York locale. Today, more than 8 million people live with IDDs in the U.S. and 80 percent of them are unemployed, a sector that Café Joyeux prioritizes in its hiring practices. Gensler was tasked with translating Café Joyeux’s social mission into a physical space.

Architects at Gensler designed the restaurant with neurodivergency in mind. The design was centered on delivering a workplace that is inclusive of the needs of employees, in addiiton to those of patrons.  “Café Joyeux’s newest cafe in New York City embraces the growing demand for workplace design centering neurodiversity and social inclusivity,” shared Santiago Rivera, a regional leader in Gensler’s Foundations, Associations, and Organizations practice.

The cooking area at Café Joyeux is located at the back of house but still open to customer interaction. Countertops have round edges and protective varnishes for maximal durability. The overall interior vision weaves contemporary lines, sleek furnishings, and minimalist decor, Gensler shared. The bright yellow used in the company’s branding and logo was applied to the walls and tiling used in the cafe. The storefront is lit up with neon signs and recessed lights that make the yellow interiors glow against the otherwise gray streetscape.

Oak furniture, mosaic tiles, mirrors, and woven light fixtures create an ambience that is comfortable and welcoming.

“In creating neurodiverse workplaces,” Rivera continued, “we’ve found that prioritizing inclusivity extends experiential and functional benefits across user groups and allows our clients realize their organizational goals.” 

Other projects in the U.S. centering design for neurodivergent individuals or those with other IDDs, include a housing development with vocational training facilities in Arkansas and a Skyspace installation by James Turrell inside a New York City school.