Whereas some time ago, the morning trip to the bakery was not much of an aesthetic experience, bread manufacturers are now increasingly captivating their customers with sophisticated design concepts. One outstanding example is the PAN Bistro in the Acquabella district of Milan. Here, the Italian studio Wok designed the modern, open and minimalist vision of a bakery and wine bar.
Whereas some time ago, the morning trip to the bakery was not much of an aesthetic experience, bread manufacturers are now increasingly captivating their customers with sophisticated design concepts. One outstanding example is the PAN Bistro in the Acquabella district of Milan. Here, the Italian studio Wok designed the modern, open and minimalist vision of a bakery and wine bar.
In their philosophy, the architects at Studio Wok describe the living space as a piece of clothing that must be experienced rather than worn. In their work, they therefore always try to understand and promote the close relationship between people, the nature of places and the way they live in them. The design of the PAN not only seeks to connect people and places, but also brings together different cultures. Japan and Milan meet in the architectural language of the bistro. The concept responds to the format of the location. PAN combines a bakery, a kitchen with finely curated dishes and a wine bar. Japanese chef Yoji Tokuyoshi and his business partner Alice Yamada designed this fusion as a meeting place for different cultures and a point of reference for the neighborhood.
The desired open and inviting gesture is reflected in the design of Studio Wok. From the outside, large windows made of chestnut wood provide a view into the interior. Furthermore, an outdoor bench invites visitors from the neighborhood to linger. However, the structure of the façade, with the external mullions of the windows made of galvanized sheet metal, creates an unusual austerity that is not found elsewhere in the district. The PAN attracts attention and, according to Studio Wok, provokes a dialog between the domestic and the urban space.
The interior design is restrained overall and focuses on just a few strong elements. This makes the bread counter the main “protagonist” of the interior. The counters are made of fiberglass grid panels and shine in an eye-catching matcha green. Matcha not only plays an important role in Japanese tea culture, but also in the PAN’s dishes. The choice of color is based on both aspects. However, in an interview with Dezeen, the architects emphasize that the final choice of material was based on some research. In their search for a rather underappreciated material that could be upgraded through an innovative use, they finally came across fiberglass. Fiberglass is already increasingly used in industry, but is rarely used in interiors. A perfect choice for Studio Wok. The color nuances of the counter change depending on the incidence of light. They also harmonize with the ceiling design. Here, Studio Wok chose so-called Noren, Japanese linen curtains that are traditionally hung on entrance doors, interior passages or windows. In the PAN, they create a floating, moving plane above the heads of visitors.
The green theme is also continued in the bathroom. The wall and the sliding door consist of a wooden frame to which translucent panels made of pressed cellulose are attached. For the architects, this is a clear reminiscence of Japanese rice paper walls. The bar counter forms a contrast to the green and nude tones. It is made of black-stained chestnut wood. The recessed stainless steel inserts have a sober look. The water dispenser next to the bar is a jagged boulder made of natural stone. According to Studio Wok, it gives the room an almost spiritual atmosphere, celebrates the imperfect beauty and emphasizes the ritual of filling up with water.
The different choice of materials creates two independent areas around the bread counter and the bar counter. A long wooden bench that runs along the wall facing the street acts as a connecting element in the room. The bench element not only communicates within the interior, but also creates a connection to the outside world. Overall, Studio Wok was keen to sensitively implement the owners’ requirements. The references to Japanese culture are visible – at the same time, Studio Wok finds an interpretation that avoids stereotypes. “The intention was to add a layer for a deeper understanding, without it becoming too invasive, working on the concept of quality, both in materials and in details,” says the studio about the project. In Aquabella, visitors can now find out how they have achieved this.
The Wabi-Sabi residence by Sparano + Mooney Architects in Emigration Canyon in Utah was also created according to the “Wabi-Sabi” principle of Japanese aesthetic culture.
