The Project

The inspiration for the project came from the atmosphere of the French Fromagerie. I had recently been to Provence and I proposed to the owners – Federica and Luciano – an environment with an international flavor, rich in cultural contamination: natural materials such as oak wood in contrast with the steel of the refrigerated counters and the color used to separate the two zones. Green was the most suitable and then only black and white to enhance the gastronomic products.

The project took shape from the layout of the equipment and from the idea of a welcoming and new place for the city, with two separate rooms for gastronomy and meat, but the the central fulcrum should have been the area where to offer local products and taste them, where to welcome presentations of small local companies or where to offer a taste.

The Realization

I wanted to emphasize this area with a decorated ceramic “carpet” where I placed a moon in the center, the “Moon” lamp by Davide Groppi and, on the opposite wall, the pantry of the products. A space for daydreaming, open to conviviality, where people can find the pleasure of appreciating the culture of food and being together.

I understood that it was essential to emphasize the intrinsic spirit of this activity made of passion, of good, simple, but highly sought-after food…then the harmony with the clients, their professionalism and Federica’s commitment to organize and coordinate everything, were crucial for the success of the project.

Christina Colla
Architect

Project: Cristina Colla and Mario Guano
Supplies: Olca Arredamenti – Ovada
                  Colla Arredi srl – San Giuliano Vecchio (AL)
Contribution for the lighting study: Gilberto Lombardi
Graphics: Mas Gas – Alessandria
Photographs: Your Story – Alessandria