Why are customers using umbrellas inside Harlan Bridge?

Customers using umbrellas inside Harlan Bridge, a newly opened glass-enclosed coffee shop in Bonifacio Global City, have sparked an online debate over whether architectural aesthetics are being prioritized over comfort.

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.

The flagship café of Harlan Coffee, formerly associated with the harlan + holden coffee brand and its popular “because coffee” concept, transforms an ordinary pedestrian bridge into a contemporary dining destination.

Designed by Barcelona-based architectural studio Arquitectura-G, the establishment embraces an industrial-minimalist aesthetic, with extensive glass walls, exposed structural elements, metallic finishes, and geometric seating.

Its concept revolves around transforming an urban passageway into a social space, allowing customers to enjoy coffee while overlooking the surrounding cityscape.

The café features long communal counters, minimalist backless stools, and a predominantly monochromatic interior. Its transparent enclosure maximizes daylight and reinforces the impression of an open, futuristic space.

However, the design has attracted criticism after Threads user @itspengchut_04 shared a photograph showing customers using umbrellas indoors to shield themselves from direct sunlight.

“Man, they needed shade, lalo na sa staff,” the user wrote.

The post attracted more than 79,000 views in the accompanying screenshot, with commenters questioning the practicality of extensive glass surfaces in the Philippine climate.

“Aesthetic before comfort,” one commenter remarked, while others compared the establishment to a greenhouse.

Design versus comfort

Architecturally, glass-heavy structures can experience significant solar heat gain without adequate shading and solar-control systems, particularly in tropical environments.

Several netizens suggested installing blinds or window films, while one commenter claimed automatic blinds would soon be added, although this remains unverified.

The controversy raises a practical question about contemporary commercial architecture: Should a visually striking design require customers to bring out umbrellas just to enjoy coffee indoors?

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