A pacesetter in the once industrial neighborhood of Mar Mikhael, Papercup sparked a transformation in the area’s urban fabric through its unassuming street-level presence.

Previously a warehouse for paint products, the specialized art bookstore and coffee shop is nestled inside a glazed storefront, previewing the interior’s Victorian tiles and a bookcase ladder to passerby. The straightforward linear composition of the space, books and shelves on one side, magazines and racks on the other, brings about a relaxed atmosphere conducive for reading.

The shop plays host to various readings and cultural events, attracting the attention of the international bookstore scene, while being constantly frequented by the city’s dedicated book and coffee enthusiasts.