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M Moser Associates created the office design for French yeast manufacturer, Lesaffre, located in Shanghai, China.

Interweaving handcraft with manufacturing in a modern workplace
For over 160 years, French-born Lesaffre has remained a household name in the bakery industry. Founded in 1853 as a regional family-owned business, the company now stands as one of the world’s largest yeast manufacturers, with its yeast used by bakeries across the globe.

As the company’s China business continues to grow, M Moser was engaged to lead the interior design of its China headquarters based in Shanghai. The new workspace, occupying an entire floor in a building within a high-tech park, aims to support Lesaffre’s business expansion, elevate brand awareness and attract talent, while reflecting the company’s evolving culture and progressive spirit.

A distinct brand experience
How do you translate a company’s long-standing spirit as it expands into new markets? This question is one that has challenged business leadership for centuries. M Moser’s response to Lesaffre began with extensive research into the company’s history and identifying the most outstanding brand elements, to create an impactful user journey.

Attracting immediate attention on entrance to the space is a large, logo-embedded tapestry, which establishes a clear expectation of the brand for the rest of the journey. As staff and guests walk further into the space, they are immersed in an environment that leverages the brand’s iconic swallow logo and various shades of blue, bringing to life the innovative spirit of the company.

Distinguished by the names of Lesaffre products handpicked by the firm’s President of Greater China, each conference room features a different product description, facilitating knowledge of the company’s technical emphasis and value proposition.

To reveal the firm’s innovative culture and breakthrough achievements, artwork depicting production and manufacturing processes is mounted along the corridor. Installed within warm-lighted frames, this artwork helps generate conversation and appreciation of the company, while enlivening the transition space.

Interweaving handcraft and industry
While a powerful global player today, Lesaffre started small in a town called Marquette-lez-Lille in the north of France. Lesaffre has since grown into an international manufacturer, with large-scale industrial sites and an extensive partner network. Its dedication to quality and originality remains and continues to drive the company’s R&D and innovation in the 21st century.

To reflect industrial strength and highlight modern efficiency, M Moser retained original features such as large beams, exposed cement and other existing building structures. Wooden furniture, vintage-patterned rugs and customised wallpaper have been introduced to bring warmth and evoke memories within the space, a reminder of Lesaffre’s attentiveness to intimate collaboration.

The result is an inviting space where staff and guests reflect on Lesaffre’s industry ambition and family origin in an environment that incorporates characteristics of both.

Versatile spaces for collaboration and interaction
The new workspace embraces a large public area that is equipped with comfortable furniture and table football, extending into an open kitchen. Featuring a bar table and a dining area, the kitchen offers a spaciousness that encourages mingling and interaction.

Next to the public area are the training and ping-pong rooms, which can be easily connected by folding doors to become one space. The two rooms have revolving glass doors that can be rotated to connect directly with the public area, flexible for town halls, exhibitions and external receptions.

The “Collaboration Strip”, located at the centre of the working area, provides a collection of versatile spaces including enclosed meeting rooms, open collaboration areas, telephone booths and a pantry, to encourage spontaneous conversations and teamwork. Soothing lighting has been installed along the strip, sending a welcoming signal to staff. Subtle details enhance interaction and motivation, supporting a culture that places innovation at the core.

Reflecting Lesaffre’s history and culture, M Moser has created a distinct brand journey within a dynamic and collaborative workplace. Embedding customised details into an industrial manufacturing environment, with a mix of vintage and contemporary elements, the workspace supports Lesaffre’s culture of “innovation, proximity and sharing”, while providing a business resource to attract and retain talent.

Designer: M Moser Associates
Photography: Vitus Lau