Visits to the bakery live in the memory of all Mexicans. With this project Concentrico analyzed the typical Mexican Bakeries to understand their values, experience, and essence. With more than 40 years, Mi Pan has reached thousands of families, breaking barriers between generations and baking for everyone.
The design of Mi Pan honors the bakers and respects the traditional bakeries. The challenge, create a space that would reflect and embrace the people who visit this location. People who are not used to buy in stores that invest in design and generally are constructed by their owners. This led the design team to investigate the context. Walking through the streets they saw colors and thousands of handmade signs and messages identifying each store.
The self-serve layout was key to maintain the original bakery experience. The goal, invite the customers to visit with a loved one and share the experience with them.Metallic baking trays were used to link the baking process with the shopping experience.
“The concept of Mi Pan comes from its heart, its kitchen. There we experience the magic and talent of the bakers who piece by piece shape each loave. Trays are used throughout the bread baking process, to reflect the freshness of the product we incorporate them into the store." Alejandro Peña
The signature use of metallic trays in the design makes it clear that all revolves around the bread and its process. Pine wood boards were used to structure the design and balance the coldness of the metallic trays. The terrazzo floor connects the shop to the many supermarkets that use the same material. To make this one unique the brand’s orange color was integrated to the mix. The ceramic tiles were used to link the design to the many bakeries that incorporate them in their designs. By combining all these materials, it was possible to create a warm and unique environment without intimidating the customers who visit it.
The tray ceiling is not only impressive to look at, but also helps to lower the scale of the place and make the space more welcoming. It reflects the ceiling lighting and creates a great diffused ambient light that is accompanied by spotlights for the product. The store's layout is clear, the lateral access through the coffee shop area allows customers to reach the center of the space where the route begins with the selection of bread and ends at the checkout counter. The custom-made metallic furniture was inspired by the designs used in local restaurants in 1980 when the bakery opened.
The communication inside the store mimics the traditional handmade signs that are so unique to the context. With these messages the story of the company is told. “Always good from dough to crumb”, “40 years later and our bread is still as it always was, authentic. Mi Pan is the bakery that makes real bread.” are some of the phrases in the project.While leaving the store the magic continues by seeing cakes that mark unforgettable moments in everybody’s life. The “Rosca de Reyes” shared with family and the “Pan de Muertos” with which Mexicans honor those who are no longer here, helps the customers stay close to their loved ones.The design of Mi Pan focuses on creating community, respecting, and honoring the traditional Mexican bakeries.
Team:
Architect: Alejandro Peña Villarreal /Concentrico/
Photographers: Jose Miguel Gonzalez / Apertura Studio/, Juan Pablo Tavera / Jpark Studio/
