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Indoor cycling concept Siclo, the multi-functional social space is visible to the public whilst the gym and changing rooms are cleverly concealed under the amphitheatre-like seating and within the cube behind

Indoor cycling concept Siclo, the multi-functional social space is visible to the public whilst the gym and changing rooms are cleverly concealed under the amphitheatre-like seating and within the cube behind

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Woods, smoked bricks and raw steels shape the monochromatic material palette of Carbòncabròn

Woods, smoked bricks and raw steels shape the monochromatic material palette of Carbòncabròn

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In Mercato Gentiloni, they have created a series of culinary experiences across several floors with a bountiful living wall in the cenral atrium

In Mercato Gentiloni, they have created a series of culinary experiences across several floors with a bountiful living wall in the cenral atrium

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A view through into Gelatoscopio's kitchen. Playful graphics and kaleidoscopic patterns can be viewed through other viewfinders to entertain visitors to the ice-cream parlour

A view through into Gelatoscopio's kitchen. Playful graphics and kaleidoscopic patterns can be viewed through other viewfinders to entertain visitors to the ice-cream parlour

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The identity draws inspiration from the Art Deco era when El Moro’s churreria was established

The identity draws inspiration from the Art Deco era when El Moro’s churreria was established

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The street level of Mercado Roma houses over fifty stall-holders configured in an organic and fluid arrangement of pathways and avenues reinterpreting a traditional market grid

The street level of Mercado Roma houses over fifty stall-holders configured in an organic and fluid arrangement of pathways and avenues reinterpreting a traditional market grid

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Whilst Mercado Roma’s exterior signage has a utilitarian feel,
inside traditional imagery has been taken and executed
using contemporary materials and treatments

Whilst Mercado Roma’s exterior signage has a utilitarian feel, inside traditional imagery has been taken and executed using contemporary materials and treatments

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Casa del Agua also known as The Local Water as it  collects and distills rainwater on site. The identity and materials used in the concept evoke a nostalgia that appeals and substantiate the quality and purity of the product.

Casa del Agua also known as The Local Water as it collects and distills rainwater on site. The identity and materials used in the concept evoke a nostalgia that appeals and substantiate the quality and purity of the product.

Cadena + Asociados


Reforma No.402 Pte, San Pedro Garza Garcia, 66230 Mexico

cadena-asociados.com

Ignacio Cadena studied architecture in Los Angeles, where he also founded his studio Cadena + Asociados. A while later he returned to his native Mexico, growing the multidisciplinary practice. Today they often work in collaboration with architectural practices, deeply involved in both the interior design and branding of projects.

Working with Rojkind Arquitectos they created branding for the bustling Mercado Roma food market. Bold black and orange provide the palette for both the interior and the graphic language unifying and defining over sixty vendors under a singular identity. In partnership with Landa & Martinex and Weyes Studio, they created Mercato Gentiloni a fusion Italian and Mexican cuisine with a number of restaurants, a cooking school and an events space, which are brought together through the interior design, each with a singular character. The exterior features raw brickwork celebrating the industry of the city of Saltillo and quirky collages by Don Emanuel.

In Mexico City, the partnership’s design for indoor cycling concept for Siclo places equal importance on the community space as it does on the classes. The social ‘arena’ which features a shop can flex to host events, classes or just provide a cool and inviting place to hang out.

Working with his brother, award-winning chef Ignacio Cadena he designed the restaurant Hueso (Bone). The intriguing interior, inspired by a Darwinian vision, is decorated with 10,000 bones carefully arranged by visual artists. Running down the centre of the restaurant, and ascending steps, is the fifty-four seater table which encourages a communal spirit in this fine dining restaurant.

Casa del Agua, Cielito Querido Café and Gelatoscopio are just three of the projects that Cadena have worked on in partnership with Hector Esrawe. In the playful Gelatoscopio, customers peek into funnels to experience other worldly visions through kaleidoscopes, mirrors and magnifying glasses extending the happy feelings experienced through enjoying their ice-creams.

Another project for Ignacio, CarbònCabròn, provides a stark contrast to Hueso. The restaurant uses monochromatic materials palette, 6,300 scorched logs, five communal tables, one open kitchen and a large wooden structure to create a rustic environment that pays homage to the charcoal grill and the restaurant’s cuisine.
Whether working alone or in partnership with other practices, Cadena + Asociados create exciting and sensorial design concepts, which have people and community at their heart.


Words by Abigail Lloyd Jones


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