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À La Folie

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 8th edition

Nothing is more complicated than making it simple

The design for the à la Folie bakery, formerly the Maison du macaron, by Atelier Moderno + Anne Sophie Goneau, completely throws the concept of the traditional pastry shop out of the window. Its sophisticated look and the quality of its elements give full prominence to the presentation of its products, without overpowering them. The carefully positioned lighting enhances the gourmand experience.

The elongated shop is impeccably “staged” with restraint, monochromatic greys, and economy of materials. It’s distinguished by its neutrality, modern look, simplicity, and clean lines, which act as a backdrop to the vibrancy of the whimsical macaroons, plump pastries, and colourful tarts, and whet the appetite through the eyes from both outside and inside the shop. The effect is further enhanced by the mid-height wall in the back that allows the smells of the kitchen to waft over and tease the senses of the patrons beyond.

It’s a show that’s hard to resist. The display units evoke a walkway under a spotlight, while a small difference in height and a slight offset in the glass break the monotony. The cash counter that embodies simplicity in the extreme, the custom designed display units, the absence of noisy compressors… everything about it defies convention.
The winner of the Commercial space, 1,600 sq. ft. or less award can’t be described as a minimalist, but rather a “maximalist,” to borrow the jury’s term.

The project in images

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