A pop-store in the shopping centre of Barcelona, on Rambla de Catalunya. For sustainable clothing brand "Thinking Mu", bring to life its slogan "For the love of art". Through sculptural pieces, collaborations with artists and other brands of Barcelona.
The aim was to create a versatile and dynamic space in which the brand could accommodate its current and future collections in the different pop ups that will open across Europe. The current collection of the brand: "For the love of art", wants to show that as a brand they invest time and effort in things they love without expecting anything in return. And the design of the space aims to portray this message through its design. A space that conveys this message by treating each piece of furniture as a work of art, a sculpture made by local artisans. A collaboration between the design, manufacture and use of each piece.
Reaffirming the message through collaborations with other brands and artists that has this same passion as Rowse Beauty, GIGIStudios, Olend, Deren Rice, Omote Sando, Alejo Palacios with their paintings that we can find in Alzueta Gallery. Thinking Mu is a great advocate of natural and ecological manufacturing. A theme that is evident in the history of the brand and in the result of its designs. The project takes this concept into space using natural and organic materials that give the s3pace an aspect of rawness and humanity. By using raw materials The store, which will be open for three months, is designed with modular and transportable furniture made of wood and metal. All the furniture has been designed taking into account that the same image could be reproduced in other spaces and cities in Europe.
The aim of the project was to start from a simple and serene base. Clean up the space by adding a layer of color to the existing space. Paint it in a warm white to create a cozy atmosphere and give prominence to the colorful and lively clothing of the brand. The furniture that accompanies the clothes is full of small details that, if you look, bring great beauty and sensitivity to the project without generating noise and trying to give a look of a physical store to a totally ephemeral space.
ROSELLO TEXT:
Brand description Thinking Mu:
Thinking Mu is a sustainable fashion brand renowned for its commitment to the environment and its ethical production. An enterprise founded in Barcelona with the aim of offering high quality garments and contemporary style taking into account the reduction of environmental impacts throughout the production chain.
SOURCE Thinking Mu Values
Thinking Mu is distinguished by its strong commitment to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp and recycled fibers to minimize the environmental impact of its products. Ethical production is a fundamental pillar of the brand, which guarantees fair and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain, promoting a more responsible type of textile industry. Transparency is another essential aspect for the brand, as it offers consumers a clear view of their production processes and the origin of the materials they use. Distinguished by its constant innovation, continuously seeking new ways to reduce its ecological footprint through the use of advanced technologies and practices that result in high quality garments last over time.
General Concept
As the main foundations of the design it is sought to make a store focused on art and design but that can also become a meeting place open to the city, sustainable and inspired by the Mediterranean. A shop that invites interaction and exchange, celebrating creativity and sustainability.
Description by Zones
1. Facade
The glass facade represents the concept of openness to the city, inviting visitors to enter and explore. From the outside you can see the products of the brand that act as pieces of art that capture the attention of those who walk through the area. The use of terracotta color in some of the facade elements makes the store stand out in the urban context. From the entrance stands a sign illuminated with a sun representing the brand logo. It is also possible to generate an atmosphere of community and interaction through the practical closure that allows to serve coffee that is sold in the shop directly to those circulating in the area.
2. Main Zone
To emphasize the concept of creating a store that also serves as an interaction space, it is decided to include the coffee area in the entrance. A custom made bar made of stainless steel illuminated with a & Tradition VP1 lamp with chrome finish. Facing the coffee area, two construction platforms can be seen that serve as showcases and in turn their curved shape guide the visitor to the inside of the store. Continuity with the façade is achieved by using the same terracotta colour on these steps. As you move towards the main area of the store, you can see custom-designed display elements. Like the products sold by the brand, all the furniture in the store is conceived as a work of art, elements that not only serve a practical function but are also sculptural pieces.
These elements include a large work table with microcement finish. It includes two levels to display different types of products. Also an iron shelf, with a marked curve that brings a modern character to the space as well as the design of the brand. For the garment hanging it is decided to design some iron donkeys that are supported on one side by a solid rock and on the other with a sphere-shaped base of the same material as the donkey. The combination of pure geometries such as the sphere, contrasted with the rusticity of the stone are linked to the identity of the brand, where nature and modernity become fundamental drivers of design. The composition generated by these pieces within the same space achieves a functional space with a unique aesthetic experience.
3. The curved tunnel
As you pass through the main area of the store, you can see an enveloping tunnel that transitions to the next space. This tunnel stands out for its terracotta finish, a color that will be repeated in various elements of the space to generate continuity. In this case, the terracotta finish is achieved using a clay mortar paint, it is a sustainable product with much less environmental impact than conventional paint. From the other side of the tunnel, you can see a mirror that seems to replicate the tunnel through its reflection, thus bringing infinity to the space. It is the combination of colour along with the dreamlike shape that the tunnel offers us the details that manage to make the space not only serve to display a product but also generate a sensory experience for those who visit it. A space that allows exploration, the play of perception and imagination.
4. The Grades
After crossing the tunnel, the user enters a space of the store whose main aesthetic is that of a dreamlike place, outside of what one is accustomed to seeing in the real world. Located in Barcelona, a city of constant movement and exchange, the store includes an area for events and presentations. Curved stands are designed that resemble those of an amphitheatre. A large circular opening in the ceiling radiates a subtle light using a backlit fabric, contributing to this idea of creating a dream space. Underneath this zenital light is a sculpture by Sara Regal that functions as an exhibition coffee table. This piece was created from the rubble generated after the renovation, once again emphasizing the principles of sustainability that represent the brand.
5. Testers
At the end of the shop, we reach the testers, which present sculptural walls, continuing the concept of artistic elements. These spaces not only offer privacy, but also maintain the aesthetic and artistic coherence of the store's overall design.
Conclusion
This space fosters art and creativity in a fluid and welcoming environment. It reflects the values of the brand with the use of responsible materials. Artistic elements and careful lighting make the store unique, providing a place where design and functionality meet to inspire all who visit it.
Team:
Author: Isern Serra
Team leader: Aasheen Mittal
Styling: Aasheen Mittal
Photographer: Salva Lopez
Metalwork: Aluminis Cabestany
Carpentry: Fusteria J. Vidal
Material Used:
1. Labels: Rexlan
2. Lamp Coffee Zone: Flower pot by andtradition
3. Carpinteria: Fusteria Vidal
4. Iron: Aluminis cabestany
5. Stones: Barbany
6. Lamp Stand area: Colia de Santa & Cole
7. Central table Stand area: by Sara Regal (VASTO Galery)
