Beautification

Mateo Soto

• Architects

A series of interiors within interiors.
A labyrinthine construction composed of repeating circular geometries and consecutive radii.
Beautification is a retail space dedicated to skincare and haircare, located in Medellín, Colombia. The project is composed of a sequence of spaces defined by curved walls that blur the boundaries between architecture, art, atmosphere, and light.
The project reconsiders the traditional role of architecture in retail. Rather than serving as a neutral backdrop, architecture becomes the primary spatial element through circular geometries, indirect light filtered through skylights, and a monolithic material palette that shapes the visitor's experience. Two semicircular walls define a central axis that organizes the circulation through the space.

The proposal balances formal diversity with material consistency, resulting in a continuous spatial composition that feels closer to a gallery or a contemplative space than to a conventional retail store.
The material palette is deliberately restrained, relying on a limited selection of materials and a single dominant tone. The walls feature a light-colored, vertically textured finish with a rough surface, contrasted by stainless steel elements and translucent glass surfaces that reveal glimpses of the activities taking place within.
The project explores the contrast between stone and steel, bringing together rough and smooth textures, natural materials and precisely crafted details. It combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fabrication and construction techniques.

Light plays a fundamental role in shaping the space. Developed in collaboration with a lighting designer, the lighting strategy guides visitors through the project while reinforcing its atmosphere.
The project also incorporates traditional construction techniques. One of its defining elements is a hand-applied terrazzo finish executed on site, a craft that was widely used in Colombia during the 1980s but is now practiced by only a small number of artisans. Its inclusion reflects an interest in recovering this local construction knowledge and integrating it into a contemporary architectural project.