Mi Pan Bakery, Tlalnepantla, Mexico Building, Mexican Commercial Architecture Photos
Mi Pan Bakery in Tlalnepantla de Baz
15 Aug 2022
Architecture: Concentrico
Location: Tlalnepantla de Baz, Estado de México, Mexico
Photos: Jose Miguel Gonzalez / Apertura Studio and Juan Pablo Tavera / JPark Studio
Mi Pan Bakery, Mexico
Visits to the bakery live in the memory of all Mexicans. With this project we 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.
With the design we wanted to honor the bakers and respect the traditional bakeries. The challenge was to create a space that would reflect and embrace the people who visit this location. People who are not used to buying in stores that invest in design and generally are constructed by their owners. This led us to investigate the context. Walking through the streets we saw colors and thousands of handmade signs and messages that identified each store.
To maintain the original bakery experience we kept the self-serve layout. With this we promote visiting in company of a loved one who hands you a pair of large metal tweezers to select your favorite piece of floury goodness. From the oven to your table. The trays are 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 made it clear that all revolved 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 was used to connect the shop to the many supermarkets that use the same material. To make this one unique we integrated the brand’s orange color to the mix. The ceramic tiles were used to link the design to the many bakeries that use them in their designs. By combining all these materials, it was possible to create a warm and unique environment without intimidating the people 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 you 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 we tell the story of this company and connect the product with the visitors. “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 that you’ll find in your visit.
While leaving the store the magic continues when you see the cakes that mark unforgettable moments in our memory. The “Rosca de Reyes” that we share as a family and the “Pan de Muertos” with which we honor those who are no longer here, helps us stay close to our loved ones.
The design of Mi Pan focuses on creating community, respecting, and honoring the traditional Mexican bakeries. Its design dignifies the visit of its clients who, due to their context, are not used to visit shops with design and experience. All this and more adds up to create a unique and memorable visit.
What was the brief?
Design a bakery that invites people to explore and enjoy the visit without making it too fancy.
Key products used:
Metallic baking trays, pine wood boards, handmade ceramic tiles and terrazzo floor with orange in the mix to connect with the brand’s color.
What were the key challenges?
The biggest challenge was supervising the construction from another city.
How is the project unique?
We came up with a very unique way of using the baking trays as an architectural material / finish.
Mi Pan Bakery in Tlalnepantla, Mexico – Building Information
Architecture: Concentrico – https://concentrico.mx/
Head Architect: Alejandro Peña Villarreal
Project size: 175 sqm
Site size: 175 sqm
Completion date: 2020
Building levels: 1
Photography: Jose Miguel Gonzalez / Apertura Studio and Juan Pablo Tavera / JPark Studio
Mi Pan Bakery, Tlalnepantla Mexico images / information received 150822
Location: Tlalnepantla de Baz, Estado de México, Mexico City, North America
Mexican Buildings
Contemporary Architecture in Mexico
Mexican Architecture Designs – chronological list
Architecture Tours Mexico by e-architect for groups
Cocoon Hotel, Tulum, Quintana Roo
Architects: DNA Barcelona
image from architects
Cocoon Hotel Building
Foro Boca, Boca Del Rio, Veracruz
Design: Rojkind Arquitectos
photograph : Jaime Navarro Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos
Foro Boca Veracruz
Mar Adentro Hotel, San Jose del Cabo, southern Baja California Sur state
Design: Miguel Ángel Aragonés, Taller Aragonés
photograph : Joe Fletcher
Mar Adentro Hotel in San José del Cabo
Hotel Royalton Riviera Cancun, Cancun, Riviera Maya
Design: Zyman & Zyman, Arquitectos
image Courtesy architecture office
Hotel Royalton Riviera Cancun
Mexican Architect Offices – design studio listings on e-architect
Comments / photos for the Mi Pan Bakery, Tlalnepantla Mexico design by Concentrico page welcome
