[APPAREIL architecture]
“We thought that APPAREIL Architecture’s cleaner, even contemporary style, combined with our desire for a colorful design, would be the perfect marriage, and it’s exactly what we got as a final product.” – the owners, Gabriel Malenfant and Véronique Orban de Xivry.
APPAREIL Architecture rose to the challenge of designing a Mile-End café-boutique overflowing with colors and daring. The 1500 square foot space houses a café, artisans’ workshops, and a boutique space where local creations are showcased. Located on St-Laurent street in the creative Mile-End neighbourhood, the large windows allow for natural lighting, while giving passersby a preview of the creations placed in the storefront. The café section of Pastel Rita stands out through its welcoming atmosphere, and was so named in honor of Rita, Gabriel’s grand-mother.
This part of the space consists of a large central bar which allows for direct contact between the baristas and the customers. Behind the bar, a partition made of wooden slats serves as a separating screen delineating the boutique section of the wall. This panel is punctuated by large, arch-shaped openings, putting the handbags, hats, and leather accessories on a pedestal. This convivial space seems to be taken straight out of another universe, as all its components sport pastel colors.
“Overlapping spaces which allow customers to gain an exclusive glimpse at the creation workshop, all while enjoying coffee”. Text description by the architects.
Source: www.appareilarchitecture.com
Photography by: Félix Michaud
