ElDepartamento, an esteemed architecture and interior design studio, has unveiled its third collaboration with PJ in a harmonious fusion of architectural ingenuity and retail sophistication. Lobster is a visionary optical boutique in Barcelona's Eixample district, Spain—this latest addition to the PJ. Lobster brand seamlessly integrates minimalism with substantial materiality, embodying a rationalist character within the confines of a century-old noble building. As we delve into the details of ElDepartamento's design, we discover a narrative of spatial elegance, where tubular stainless-steel elements play a pivotal role in reflecting the brand's ethos against the backdrop of Barcelona's historic charm.
A Grand Entrance and Architectural Context
Positioned within an iconic area of Barcelona, the optical boutique occupies the ground floor of a historic structure characterized by an eclectic Catalan style. ElDepartamento's design approach respects the building's grandeur, with the main entrance strategically placed through an arch attached to the party wall. This emphasizes the tower's historical significance and sets the stage for a unique retail experience. The four large arches, both windows and focal points, become a canvas for showcasing custom stainless-steel shelves in a lattice-like manner, creating an immediate visual impact.
Spatial Composition and Division
The monumental space unfolds with a square morphology and a soaring height exceeding five meters, presenting a canvas for ElDepartamento to carve out a visually stunning interior. A central pillar, a defining feature of the boutique, elegantly divides the space into four quadrants, one of which incorporates a mezzanine, adding an extra dimension to the layout. Carefully orchestrating architectural elements enhances the customer's journey, guiding them through distinct zones seamlessly merging into a cohesive retail environment.
A defining aspect of ElDepartamento's design language for PJ. Lobster's optical boutique is the extensive use of tubular stainless-steel elements. These elements serve as monolithic blocks, finding expression in various facets of the boutique's interior - from furniture and mirrors to shelves and stairs. This deliberate choice creates a visual language that unifies the diverse elements within the space, contributing to a sense of cohesion and sophistication. The strategic incorporation of stainless steel serves functional purposes and becomes a design motif that echoes throughout the boutique.
Nobility in Materiality
The boutique's walls are coated with historical lime mortar, presenting a bluish-gray hue that evokes associations with Barcelona's high society and rich historical presence. This intentional use of material pays homage to the building's heritage while infusing a sense of timeless elegance into the space. Complementing this choice, the silver travertine floor adds a touch of nobility, engaging in a visual dialogue with the vertical surfaces adorned with steel elements. ElDepartamento's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect, including custom-designed furniture such as the millimetricMunt 330 stools and the prominent Blong side table.
Legacy of Innovation
ElDepartamento's collaboration with PJ. Lobster marks another chapter in their legacy of groundbreaking work in retail architecture, residential projects, and contract spaces. From digital-native collaborations to leaving an indelible mark in the physical realm, ElDepartamento continues to push boundaries. The Barcelona optical boutique stands as a testament to their ability to seamlessly integrate modern design principles with historical contexts, creating spaces that redefine elegance and sophistication.
In the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, ElDepartamento's design for PJ. Lobster's third optical boutique transcends functionality, elevating retail space to an art form. The marriage of rationalist character, historic context, and meticulous design choices, especially the prominent use of tubular stainless-steel elements, creates an immersive experience for patrons. As customers step into this optical haven, they are not just selecting eyewear; they are engaging with a narrative of spatial elegance and architectural brilliance, where the past meets the present in a seamless dance of design. ElDepartamento's Barcelona optical boutique stands as a shining example of how thoughtful design can transform a retail space into a visual masterpiece.