Masquespacio designs a parallel universe for bakehouse & espresso bar MO.
Masquespacio presents its first project designed for MO, a bakehouse / espresso bar in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
When Omar and Asim from RightGrain, an experience-based company, contacted Masquespacio for the first time it was immediately clear that they were looking to get away from the traditional.
Christophe Penasse, co-founder of Masquespacio, commented: “It was clear from the beginning that Omar and Asim were ready to challenge us and we were ready to challenge them.”
The first point to be highlighted during the initial conversations was that the main attraction from MO would be its baked goods, presented in the space as jewels with interesting and unusual flavours. For this reason, Masquespacio started to develop a concept based on water - the base of any form of baking. At the same time water is an element that can distort reality and change our points of view - the perfect match for MO’s philosophy to 'do things differently'.
The space was divided into three parts each representing a phase in the baking process. First is the “liquid state”, where the dough is mixed with water.
In the bar zone a huge waterfall was created defining a central point within the space. This was formed by sandblasting each tube to create the illusion of water.
In front of the bar, visitors find the “solid state” or “ice” area where a huge series of lamps are the main attraction. Next to it are some gigantic bulbs showcasing the “gaseous state”, representing the moment when the pastry is baked in the oven.
Every item of furniture has been customised and designed for the project, offering different seating options to create varying experiences for visitors, from low lounge seating and shared tables to high stools and semi-private couple seating. A grey and white colour palette has been chosen with metallic finishes for the tables and fabrics to generate reflections that create the type of distortion that could be made by water. Fully controllable RGB-lighting sets the mood, converting the space into different states depending on what's required.
Asim Al Harthi co-founder of Mo, said: “Mo is a parallel universe. A space where all aspects have been touched by the unknown - the food, the drinks and the interior."
