For French design collective Studio CoPain, bread is more than just food. It is a living material shaped by time, environment and the human touch. Much like clay or wood, it can be kneaded, carved, sculpted and transformed. With the traditional bakery being at the heart of the village, bread carries with it shared meaning and an idea of community and participation. In Studio CoPain’s hands, bread becomes a vehicle for storytelling, capable of conveying memories, traditions and cultural meaning. This philosophy informs all aspects of their practice, whether designing objects, curating meals or creating participatory experiences. Studio CoPain is represented by Mint Gallery.

Studio CoPain’s practice culminates in Croûte que Croûte, a collection of handcrafted objects made from pâte morte, a traditional unleavened dough used for bread sculptures. Chairs, vases and lamps are transformed into bread-based design pieces that celebrate artisanal know-how while challenging conventional perceptions of materiality and value. For Homo Faber 2026, the collective present a sculptural vase that turns bread into a lasting object. Inspired by bakery artistry, it celebrates craftsmanship, cultural heritage and human connection.