PJ.Lobster optical-boutique in Barcelona

 

Architecture and interior design studio El Departamento has developed a vibrant redesign for PJ.Lobster’s optical boutique store in Barcelona, Spain. Drawing on the concepts of ‘texturized minimalism’ and ‘raw high-tech’, the design presents an all-green interior that swings between soft and hard, rough and velvety. Bespoke decorative pieces and furniture enhance the high-tech character of the space and highlight the vision of the PJ.Lobster brand. 

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
the entrance of PJ.Lobster’s new boutique | all images courtesy of José Hevia

 

 

El Departamento goes ‘from macro to micro’

 

Following the theme of ‘from macro to micro’, Alberto Eltini and Marina Martín from El Departamento (find more here) have crafted a personality-filled interior design within just 40 sqm. Drawing inspiration from the documentary ‘Powers of Ten’ by Charles and Ray Eames for IBM, which is based on Kees Boeke’s book ‘Cosmic View: the Universe in 40 Jumps,’ the studio explores various scales of matter through leaps of ten. This imaginative approach uncovers patterns and similarities that transcend extremes, from the vastness of the Milky Way to the intricacy of atomic zoom-ins. Such a creative manipulation of scale, perspective, and essence has heavily influenced the design of PJ.Lobster’s store. 

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
a pop of soft green emerges within the urban environment

 

 

Delving into the study of textures and grain sizes of matter, El Departamento unveils the two aforementioned conceptual paths: ‘texturized minimalism’ and ‘raw high-tech’. While seemingly contradictory, the concepts merge, giving birth to a dynamic space that transitions between softness and hardness. The newly designed PJ.Lobster optical boutique exudes a nearly raw and unadorned essence, embracing minimal elements and materials. At the same time, its walls, floors, and ceilings boast an extensive array of textures. 

 

The space’s high-tech nature is accentuated by the bold, reflective display shelves. Adding to this atmosphere, a central piece of furniture takes the spotlight with its bright, rounded, and imposing presence, becoming the focal point of the main area. Positioned strategically, it greets visitors as they step into the store. Further on, the second part of the space catches the eye thanks to a waiting area and a dynamic cabinet that closes with a curved green vegan leather curtain to provide privacy.

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
reflective display shelves adorn the all-green interior

 

 

A space of contrasts

 

 The rough materiality with a prominent and irregular stucco becomes the protagonist of the space and an icon of interior design. This is softened by the washed green color that fills the space while providing a sense of calm, comfort, and coziness. Meanwhile, the materials that predominate in this design are the stainless steel of the displays, the micro cement of the floor, the vegan leather of the curtain that works as a separator of the different spaces, and the pre-existing moldings, all of them finished in that monochrome tone that makes this optical-boutique a memorable space.

 

El Departamento has created a project based on the zoning of the space. Each of the areas has been carefully studied and delimited to serve each customer in a personalized way: from the exhibition of products to the most intimate area dedicated to visual examinations. In this way, the designers have managed to blend different atmospheres in this small space. 

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
a central piece of furniture takes the spotlight with its rounded, and imposing presence

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
bold, reflective surfaces add to the high-tech character of the design

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
a dynamic cabinet in the back of the store closes with a curved green vegan leather curtain to provide privacy

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
the washed green color provides a sense of calm  

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
stainless steel displays, micro cement flooring and discreet lighting complete the interior

high-tech elements and 'texturized minimalism' shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
the resulting interior swings between soft and hard, rough and velvety

 

 

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high-tech elements and ‘texturized minimalism’ shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
 
high-tech elements and ‘texturized minimalism’ shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
 
high-tech elements and ‘texturized minimalism’ shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
 
high-tech elements and ‘texturized minimalism’ shape all-green optical boutique in barcelona
 

project info: 

 

name: PJ.Lobster optical-boutique concept

architects: El Departamento 
location: Fossar de les Moreres Square, 18 08003 I Barcelona, Spain
area: 40 sqm