Nestled in Madrid's Salamanca district, the Aesop Signature Store stands as a paragon of architectural finesse, sustainability, and local character. Designed through the collaboration of Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari design and architecture practices, and imbued with the ethos of Dieter Rams' design principles, this establishment honors the neighborhood's legacy while optimizing natural light and encouraging exploration, thereby safeguarding Madrid's cherished "Castizo" culture, embraced by luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway and Ava Gardner.
Every facet of the store, from its layout to the design of the water basin, is meticulously curated to elevate the customer experience, drawing inspiration from Aesop's philosophy of fostering meaningful engagements. Locally sourced materials, including handcrafted terracotta tiles and red Spanish travertine, serve as reflections of Madrid's essence. Innovative elements like the natural graphene wall application not only showcase the store's dedication to sustainability but also ensure natural temperature control, enduring durability, and minimal maintenance requirements.
The preservation of the facade serves as a tribute to the neighborhood's architectural heritage, seamlessly blending neoclassical elegance with Madrid's dynamic lifestyle. Adorned with lounge chairs from the iconic Darro (established in Madrid in 1959) and a magnificent macramé tapestry by María Asunción Raventós (born in Barcelona in 1930), the space pays homage to Spanish craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Emphasizing the human experience is paramount, necessitating an understanding of sensory perception in architecture. By fostering connections and delivering positive and memorable experiences, the store establishes itself as a part of the local community. From the olfactory welcome emanating from micro-perforations in the exterior carpentry to the symbiotic interplay of sight and touch within the store, every detail is meticulously crafted to engage both visitors and staff alike, ensuring a sense of inclusion and pride. As Álvaro Siza eloquently stated, "If man is ignored, architecture is unnecessary."
Aesop Store
Ciszak Dalmas & Matteo Ferrari
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Designer
Client
Aesop
Floor area
100 ㎡
Completion
2022
Budget
250.000€
Furniture
Finishes