The positively uplifting interior of the Gdansk bakery is a project by two architects: Ula Schönhofer and Roksana Dobrzyńska of NOR studio. The Bio Bakery offers fresh bread and organic food daily, as well as pastries and coffee.
The owners of the Gdansk bakery wanted it to be visited by district residents, students, as well as tourists. The atmosphere of the interior positively inspires one to start a new day. The bright, natural colors reflect a healthy approach to life, awareness of what we eat and the slow food philosophy. The central and most important element of the space is the long counter on which the baked goods are presented. The architects chose to display the materials rather than obscure them - the concrete floor is highlighted, the metal structure of the furniture is exposed, and the decoration is formed by steel nets and colorful ceramic tiles and vegetation.
The decoration is formed by steel nets
Photo: Magdalena Łojewska © Ula Schönhofer, Roksana Dobrzyńska (NOR studio)
Dobrawa Bies: What was your main design inspiration when working on the interior of the bio bakery?
Ula Schönhofer: The inspiration came from an industrial bakery. The most important element is the large counter clad in tiles, which one encounters upon entering the premises. It alludes to the industrial character of the bakery, where fresh bread is baked, using natural ingredients.
Dobrawa: What did the investors expect and how did the cooperation with NOR Studio go?
Ula: The premises were intended for people who enjoy eating breakfast out. The atmosphere of the interior was to put people in a positive mood from the first sip of coffee. The bright colors allude to a healthy lifestyle, awareness of what we eat and the slow food philosophy. With Roksana Dobrzynska (NOR Studio) we know each other from the design office where we worked together, we understand each other well and knew beforehand that we work well together:)
the central and most important element of the space is a long counter covered with tiles
Photo: Magdalena Łojewska © Ula Schönhofer, Roksana Dobrzyńska (NOR studio)
Dobrawa: In the bakery the main color is white, mint and natural wood, what is the reason for this combination?
Ula: In this premises, everything is what it looks like. The concrete floor is exposed, the metal structure of the furniture is exposed, and the decoration is steel mesh and colorful ceramic tiles. The green color and vibrant vegetation allude to the bio slogan that was part of the establishment's name. Fresh products are delivered daily, and customers can read about their availability on ordinary school signs hung above the counter. The whole concept of the interior is warmed by natural, oak wood.
The whole concept of the interior is warmed by natural, oak wood
Photo: Magdalena Łojewska © Ula Schönhofer, Roksana Dobrzyńska (NOR studio)
Dobrawa: What is the difference between designing public and residential interiors?
Ula: In private interiors, you need to get a good understanding of the investor's needs, habits or favorite solutions, which can influence the design. Clients tell us about their everyday life, their needs for a space where they will feel more at ease than anywhere else. The projects are tailored, you can reach for solutions that don't have to appeal to everyone, the important thing is that they appeal to investors. In public premises, the principles guiding the functionality or aesthetics of the interior are more general, so investors more often rely on the designer's knowledge of prevailing trends or ergonomics necessary for the correct positioning of tables, width of passages, etc. The aesthetic solutions used here are intended to suit the widest audience.
Bright colors refer to a healthy lifestyle, awareness of what we eat and the slow food philosophy
Photo: Magdalena Łojewska © Ula Schönhofer, Roksana Dobrzyńska (NOR studio)
Dobrawa: What gave you the most satisfaction, and what was the biggest design challenge?
Ula: The project was created in a great atmosphere, Roksana and I were grateful to the investors for their trust and cooperation, which resulted in an interior that we are happy to brag about. The challenge was to create a design that would meet both the expectations of the investors and ourselves.
