A PIECE OF CHEESE | TAKA + PARTNERS

TAKA+PARTNERS team undertook the design of the first retail store of the Arvanitis Dairy, in the Historic Modiano Market, which was transformed into a new generation Food Market concept, through its recent refurbishment. The Arvanitis Dairy with its production process based in Neochorouda, Thessaloniki is one of the most competitive companies in the sector, with a long family tradition, a commendable and award-winning career in Greece and abroad. The unique architecture of the historical building of the Agora, the limited size of the store and the special location of it in the Agora, were a challenge for the design team. The central idea of the design was both the desire of the clients to clearly reflect the history and evolution of the family business, which counts three generations of producers, and the respect for the morphology of the historic building of Modiano Market. Historical and traditional design patterns are rendered with a fresh, contemporary approach. Plastered decorative elements bring the walls of the space in dialogue with those of the existing shell of the Agora. At the same time, the same geometries are applied to the furniture coverings, shaping all the vertical surfaces of the store. The simple geometric shapes of the light fixtures and the other details, in black metallic shade, give a dynamic and contemporary touch to the space. The privileged corner position of the shop, as well as the very specific nature of its operation, determined the layout of the floor plan. The entrance to the shop is made from both sides, which are located on the side corridor and on the transverse axis of movement of the Agora building respectively. Incoming customers are served by a display counter in an L arrangement, while the back of the tall display refrigerator completes the service and presentation zone for the fine products of the business. The choice of materials and colours of the store was made with respect to the character of the Market and the given specifications. White and earthy shades on the horizontal and vertical surfaces, dark wood panelling on the furniture and metallic details in black, compose the palette of materials of the store, enhancing the image of tradition while at the same time composing a gentle intervention in the environment of the Market. The heavy tradition of the Arvanitis Cheese Factory is filtered through the contemporary look of the New Modiano Market, giving a glimpse of eclecticism with an eye on future generations.