Working with The Dream Big Foundation, Mapos played a key role in the launch of the 3 Black Cats Café and Cakery and the Dream Big Innovation Center, opening June 2016 in Brooklyn. The 5,000-square-foot multi-function space Innovation Center and Café offers young Brownsville entrepreneurs a place to learn, meet and practice key life skills and serves as a model for incubating inner-city communities.

Mapos provided architectural and design services on a pro bono basis. As Mapos had designed work spaces for Dream Big founder, NYC-based tech firm LivePerson, the firm was eager to join forces in this philanthropic effort. Being mindful of budget, Mapos selected innovative, durable and cost effective materials. For example, poured concrete served as the main material for the counter, which gleans a cool industrial aesthetic and performs well with repeated use. Lighting and grid system from the previous occupant were repurposed; banquettes and seating were constructed from plywood. The back wall was intentionally left blank to give the community a canvas to create murals and artwork.

We will share photos of the completed project soon. Stay tuned!