MINT42 – employee canteen by MAY Architectural Design

MINT42 – the staff canteen of ALDI SÜD – is more than a restaurant: It merges gastronomy, co-working, and social hub into an open, light-filled concept. Transparency, carefully curated colors, lighting, and acoustics create an atmosphere perceptible even from outside. A monolithic staircase with black side panels stands as a sculptural centerpiece, leading to the upper floor with retreat areas.

Pantries on both levels and bespoke furniture embody the “New Work” principle: work where you feel best. Accessibility and inclusion are seamlessly integrated. The acoustic challenges of a large, hard-surfaced space were resolved with expressive design elements – cylindrical baffles, slotted absorbers, curtains, and wood-wool panels – combining function and atmosphere. The result is a forward-looking place where working, dining, and meeting harmoniously converge.