The starting point was a 28m2 basement with the absence of natural light and a straight perimeter. The goal was to fully transform the space with the delicate use of light and the incorporation of bespoke furniture for the exhibition of party dresses.
Architects: delaVegaCanolasso
Location: Madrid, España
Team: Ignacio de la Vega, Pilar Cano-Lasso
Client: White and One
NIA: 28m2
Date: 2018
Photographs: Pilar Cano-Lasso
The main idea was to change the scale of the room so the furniture was designed as a fluid and low element to increase the perimeter length and therefore expand the space. The curves allowed to create a second skin in order to increase the flexibility of the space by creating smaller regions to accommodate the fitting room and a small cloak room.
The dress racks follow the furniture’s shape by hanging over the whole space allowing to expose colorful garments. The new frontage consists of a continuous steel elevation and a light suspended dress rack that surrounds the customer.
A careful study on how to fold, bend and curve the shapes was carried out to optimize the reduced space available and the amount of clothing to be exposed. Therefore the new geometry of the dress rack has allowed for a 115% increase in the length available to hang the dresses as opposed to having followed (mimicked) the original perimeter.
The lighting concept for the retail space plays with hidden elements and reflections. Placed behind mirrors or within the slab’s masonry arches, the lighting produces a warm atmosphere. This idea is further enhanced with the use of wooden finishes above the perimeter furniture, the sliding doors and the staircase.
As a result, this simple and rapid intervention, has fully transformed the small and dark basement.
