Mexi-AZ

In an attempt to create a micro-urban experience within the larger street eatery context the Mexican counter was designed using traditional Aztec symbols that echo a culture from the past superimposed over bespoke mdf panels that represents the current Mexican urban environment, then finished with bright colours of Resene Irresistible, Resene Kakapo, Resene Starstruck and Resene Bahama Blue mimicking the street pop art that was aimed to bring forth tradition and togetherness to the community.

The name ‘Mexi-AZ’ is a playful Mexican approach to give an international brand a New Zealand context. The eatery is a snapshot of a unique culture and incites curiosity among its patrons.

The vibrant colour scheme achieves an authentic Mexican feel. The colours were selected very carefully, taking into consideration the Mexican culture and in particular looking at Mexican street art as a reference for the colour palette. By using a variety a vibrant colours it creates a sense of depth and interest that makes the whole project stand out from the neighbouring tenancies.

The colours were selected by researching the common colours used in Mexican culture, For example; red is one of the most prominent colours used in Mexican art and culture producing an authentic feel within this modernised design, blue, green and yellow are homages to the natural Mexican landscape which is represented all throughout Mexican architecture and art. By bringing all these colours together, the project was able to achieve an interesting, vibrant, modern and authentic feeling fit-out.

The challenge was to ensure all the different colours had a similar tone and shade. 15 colour combinations were trialled before finalising the scheme.

Architectural specifier: Monika Puri, Laura Marsh
Photographer: Jamie Rolfe
Project: Resene Total Colour Awards 2018