Sprinkles Architecture: Cupcakes & Ice Cream

From its inception as “the world’s first cupcake only bakery,” and throughout its first decade of operation and rollout, a l m project served as both Architect and Design Agency, with Lenardin as Creative Director, and with a carte blanche to define all elements of the experience.

For Sprinkles boutique bakeries, a l m project developed an architectural language that evolved naturally from Sprinkles’ product. Central to narrative of the space is the resonance cupcakes have with the audience, evoking nostalgia and childhood memories.

Architecturally, it was key to put the cupcake on stage: the signature array of cupcakes, in a rainbow of colors meticulously displayed, is the first thing one sees upon entering; from there the minimal interior unfolds as an intimate space, fun yet sophisticated. While all 22 stores share the same aesthetic ingredients, each is designed to reflect the local character of its place.

The Sprinkles universe is expanded: for the ice cream stores, a l m project created an environment that celebrates ice cream’s heritage and iconography while remaining an identifiable member of the Sprinkles family.

The store interior is defined by the smooth shapes of the centerpiece counter and the walls made of white Corian, reminiscent of the creamy desserts on hand. Recessed in the rotunda is Thomas Jefferson’s hand-written recipe, a nod to ice cream’s early American roots.

Sprinkles available on demand! The 24-hour “dessert machine”, an ATM for cupcake and cookie withdrawal, adds an element of whimsy to the Sprinkles family.

Sprinkles

a l m project