A competition, launched by Illy Coffee and Domus Magazine, asked designers to come with new ways of enjoying coffee.

Bryan Boyer‘s entry, the Illyvator, re-imagines the upper floor elevator lobby, the small margin of space between the elevators themselves and the actual office.

Pressing the button to call ILLYVATOR begins an interlude. While dispersing espresso into the lobby, ILLYVATOR offers opportunities for social interactions that ripple through the life of the building. Emboldened by the sensual, social experience of ordering and drinking coffee, the staid office elevator lobby is converted into a locus of chance meetings, conversations, and flirtations: the times of our lives

There would be only one ILLYVATOR per building, the other elevator shafts continue to function as people-movers.

Operations are supported by small water tanks for supply and waste on the roof of ILLYVATOR. Refills occur in the elevator penthouse as needed.

ILLYVATOR’s wall of cups acts as storage and also meters the building’s caffeine requirements. Each floor is served cups from their own column.

Via del.icio.us.