Bangkok studio Touch Architect has created French Kitsch III, a patisserie in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a design that references French cathedrals and pastries.
The 360-square-metre board-marked concrete building was informed by an idea of Frenchness that drew on many different sources, including religious architecture.
French Kitsch III is located in Nakhon Ratchasima
"French cathedrals have an architectural identity dating back to ancient times; they are merely one of the initial inspirations when thinking of Frenchness, aligned with the concept of the 'French Kitsch' brand," Touch Architect co-founder Parpis Leelaniramol told Dezeen.
In addition to cathedrals, the studio also looked to another French icon when designing the patisserie ? the croissant. Touch Architect referenced different French symbols for its design
The studio used the shape of a croissant to create French Kitsch III's interior, which features a number of arches with slightly uneven shapes.
"The architectural space is formed by rhythmic arches, with the shape of four different arches created by the curve of a croissant in cross-sectional cut," Leelaniramol said.
"Moreover, the board-formed concrete material used throughout the building serves as a metaphor for the croissant stripes," she added.
Its interior has arches modelled on the shape of a croissant
Touch Architect also used concrete for the structure to add to the "concept of imperfection".
"Not...