Harlan Bridge says permanent sunshade is coming

Harlan Bridge, the newly opened glass-enclosed coffee shop in Bonifacio Global City, is preparing to install a permanent sunshade following online criticism over customers using umbrellas indoors to protect themselves from direct sunlight.

The development emerged after Threads user @martinmaraj shared a photograph of a notice displayed inside the establishment acknowledging the issue.

“A SHADE IS COMING,” the notice reads.

“We’re currently in our soft opening phase and working to complete the installation of our permanent sunshade. Thank you for your patience.”

The notice indicates that sun protection is among the café’s ongoing improvements, although no completion date was specified.

Located above 5th Avenue at Bonifacio High Street Central in Taguig, Harlan Bridge occupies a pedestrian walkway connecting the Central Square area to the Globe Iconic Store vicinity.

Designed by Barcelona-based architectural studio Arquitectura-G, the flagship café features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, exposed structural elements, metallic finishes, and minimalist geometric seating.

Its architectural concept transforms an urban pedestrian bridge into a contemporary social space, maximizing natural light and offering views of the surrounding cityscape.

However, the extensive glass enclosure attracted criticism after a viral photograph showed customers opening umbrellas indoors to shield themselves from intense sunlight.

The original Threads post by @itspengchut_04 generated more than 79,000 views, prompting questions about the practicality of glass-heavy architecture in the Philippine tropical climate.

Damage control or planned improvement?

The newly discovered notice triggered another discussion, with netizens divided over whether the installation was a response to public criticism or part of the café’s original plans.

“I don’t know. This reeks of damage control,” commented @shutterpaw.

Others defended the establishment, pointing out that it remains in its soft-opening phase.

One commenter argued that customer complaints may have helped management identify improvements needed before its full opening.

Meanwhile, @martinmaraj maintained that the notice should not automatically be interpreted as damage control, suggesting management could simply be informing customers about its plans.

While the permanent sunshade has yet to be installed, the notice offers reassurance that the concern is being addressed.

For now, Harlan Bridge’s viral controversy serves as a reminder that striking architecture must also deliver comfort, particularly in a country where tropical heat is an everyday reality.

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