
Marne by Formant Studio
Located in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, Marne is a 130-square-metre café and bakery conceived by local architecture firm Formant Studio.
The interior merges brutalist influences with contemporary detail, offering a layered environment where architecture, food, and object converge.
The fitout is grounded in a palette of exposed materials—raw concrete, metal, dark-stained timber—complemented by textured surfaces and a bespoke lighting scheme. The atmosphere is largely neutral, punctuated by art and upholstery in rich tones that lend warmth and nuance to the interior. Industrial lighting is suspended with precision, highlighting spatial transitions and zones for gathering.
The café is divided into two main areas: a casual dining zone and counter near the entrance, and a wine bar tucked at the rear. Both are unified by a consistent spatial language and restrained material selection. Sound design has been intentionally integrated into the experience, with ceiling-mounted speakers diffusing a curated audio landscape throughout the day.
All furniture—tables, chairs, stools, and lighting—was custom-built by Formant Studio, pairing utility with a distinctive visual identity. The layout is deliberate, with pieces placed to accommodate varying modes of occupancy: quick visits, seated dining, or lingering conversation.
Photographs framed in metal and mounted on the walls contribute to the overall visual narrative, anchoring the café’s cultural sensibility. While its setting in the heart of CDMX offers a bustling street-facing energy, the atmosphere inside is calm and composed, providing an inviting refuge for guests to experience food, sound, and form in harmony.