Going to the supermarket is never terribly exciting. However, you may change your mind when you look at the new look of the Coop store in Cesate, near Milan, where Coop Lombardia opened their supermarket of the future. Following a major renovation project in conjunction with the architectural firm Park Associati; the new store opened with spaces open to the outside and rest and play areas for children, to introduce a new type of supermarket experience. Trying to reshape the appeal of its hypermarkets, Coop Lombardia plans to re-design them not only as a place of sale, but also as a space of "social engagement, exchange of knowledge, place of the community". More spacious parking spaces with pedestrian areas and spaces and vegetation. The idea of 'Community retail' therefore aims to guarantee greater pleasure by meeting up in the supermarket and engaging with traders.
Coop's in conjunction with Architectual Design Company Park Associati wanted to overcome the idea of an "restrained box without any architectural character" by preferring a more recognizable bolder structure. With entrances dug at the corners and therefore more transparency towards the outside, plus shed panel roofs which allow natural lighting inside. The exteriors are also redesigned, with wider pedestrian edges to make room for meeting spaces, well-kept waiting areas and children's play areas. Then the vegetation, which still has to grow, but will act as a backdrop to the usual parking lots. This will serve as a blueprint for future Coop stores in Italy.
Write a comment