A laptop, a free plug and a table next to the air conditioning. Thus, many self -employed workers who do not have air conditioning at home survive. As a consequence, since teleworking exploded after the pandemic. Now, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, these spaces assume a new role: that of climatic shelters. It is no longer about going to work a timely day, but about adopting coffee shops as a natural extension of the office or home, the owners of these climatic shelters with coffee coincide.
Only 36.7% of Spanish households have air conditioning, according to data from the Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). Although some cities have begun to enable public spaces against heat waves, the network remains limited. In Madrid, there are hardly 40 official shelters, mostly libraries. Outside these places, comfort usually has a price.
In Madrid downtown neighborhoods such as letters, coffee shops have become authentic lifeguards. “In summer we have noticed an increase of people who settle for several hours. They openly tell us that they cannot be at home. Coffee becomes an excuse to find a comfortable, fresh and productive environment,” says Rufino Paniza, co -founder of
Since its inception, OSOM was conceived as a hybrid space. In addition to a place in the letters (Osom Cantine) and another in Barcelona (Osom Nou), they created Osom House, in Chamberí, designed specifically to work. “Today that hybrid spirit is part of our DNA,” says Paniza, who says that in summer having a good air conditioning system is not a plus, but something almost basic. In fact, he details, many clients ask directly before deciding to stay.
“Beyond coffee, they value comfort and the possibility of spending time without stirring,” says the hotelier. Autonomous profiles predominate, as well as creative, programmers and remote workers. Some arrive in the morning and stay until the afternoon. To do this, OSOM has adapted tables, reinforced the wifi and air conditioning and created space collabwith specific rates for time of use ranging from 12.50 euros.
The phenomenon is not passenger. “The way we work has changed forever. Extreme heat could accelerate it, but the need for hybrid spaces goes beyond summer,” says Paniza.
To her chamberí premises, the publicist Camila Ramírez has gone this week, who works remotely and has no air conditioning on her floor. “I feel that there comes a time when I can’t think, I am burned by neurons. I need to be in a cool place to be able to perform at work,” he explains.
The reality of urban heat supports its perception. In Madrid, the center can register up to 8.5 degrees more than green areas such as, according to the State Meteorology Agency. It is the so -called heat island, aggravated by asphalt and buildings, which prevent the city from cooling at night. In the last decade, Spanish urban temperatures increased 0.73 degrees, compared to 0.58 in rural areas, according to the Observatory of Sustainability. The tropical nights – very higher than 20 degrees – are already common.
In Barcelona, where summer afternoons invite the beach more, coffee shops are also shelters. , open in 2018, working there was a custom that arose naturally. “It was never the goal, but it happened,” explains Marco de Rebotti, co -founder of space. There they allow computers only from Monday to Friday and on the upper floor, to maintain tranquility.
In summer they do not notice clientele working, but greater attention to climatic comfort. “It is not something decisive, but complements the quality of coffee and the environment,” says Rebotti, who seeks to maintain a balance between those who work and those who simply want to enjoy coffee calmly.
Back in Madrid, in the last open cafeteria in the Puerta del Ángel neighborhood, called NOFIN (Segovia Bridge, 3) and designed for cyclists, if there is a figurine of a lucky cat on the table is that it can be used to work. A letter indicates the rules: a free hour to use the computer asking for anything; To be part -time (4 hours) you have to consume a minimum of 15 euros and if you want a full day (8 hours) are 25 euros.
In Madrid’s street, raw, open in 2023, combines specialty coffee, fresh bread and good atmosphere. “We never raised a space for teleworking, but the atmosphere invited to stay,” says Inés Luján, marketing director. In summer, he says, clearly increases customers who seek to take refuge from heat. “Many find here a fresh, quiet and Café Rico oasis.”
Luján agrees that coffee shops are becoming shelters. The air conditioning, therefore, is felt in customer preferences: “More than an explicit demand, it is something they expect to find.” Therefore, he has adapted his space with plugs, powerful Wifi and a letter designed for long stays. During the week, the tables are occupied by laptops, but on weekends they are stored to preserve the social spirit of the business.
Luján believes that this phenomenon has come to stay: “People no longer seek only good coffee; they look for places to be comfortable, concentrate and feel part of something. That will not disappear.” While the cities continue to heat up, the coffee shops will continue to be what have always been for many: a hiding place, maybe even the extension of their own home. Although you have to pay for it.
