2024 | Professional

NY Architectural Design Awards Silver Winner Winner

PJ. Lobster Optical Boutique

Entrant Company

El Departamento

Category

Commercial Architecture - Retail Spaces & Department Stores

Client's Name

PJ. Lobster

Country / Region

Spain

El Departamento has meticulously transformed the latest project by PJ.Lobster into reality, starting with the opening of their new optical boutique in Barcelona's Born district.



The brand's new space in Barcelona's sophisticated El Born district, symbolizes the brand's current maturity. El Departamento meticulously redesigned the brand's universe under the new name PJ.Lobster to meet the demands of the visual healthcare sector, giving birth to a new optical boutique concept.



Drawing inspiration from the documentary 'Powers of Ten' by Charles and Ray Eames, which explores matter across various scales, the studio created an interior design full of character within a compact 40-square-meter space. This approach, titled "From macro to micro," inspired a design that emphasizes the different scales of matter, resulting in clinical and sophisticated spaces that showcase the brand's technical expertise and care.



El Departamento delved into the textures and grain sizes of matter and found two contrasting yet harmonious concepts: Texturized Minimalism vs. Raw High-Tech. The new PJ.Lobster optical boutique combines a raw and minimalist aesthetic with a rich texture palette, creating a space that plays with contrasts between hard and soft, rough and velvety. Display shelves showcase eyewear boldly, while a central, rounded piece of furniture dominates the main space. The waiting area and a dynamic cabinet offer privacy, housing the technical and sophisticated side of the brand.



The space's materiality is raw and striking, with prominent and irregular stucco serving as a design focal point. A soothing green color softens the roughness, creating a sense of comfort. Materials like stainless steel, microcement flooring, vegan leather and monochrome finishes on existing moldings contribute to the space's memorable atmosphere.



El Departamento's design is rooted in zoning, creating distinct areas to serve each customer individually. The space seamlessly blends microcement and carpeted floors for a neat and cozy ambiance. PJ.Lobster's high-tech identity is evident in product displays, bespoke furniture, technical equipment for visual examinations and custom lighting. In summary, this optical boutique reflects the brand's evolution and commitment to offering a comprehensive and engaging optical experience.

Credits

El Departamento
Architecture & Interior Design
José Hevia
Photography
Marset
Lighting
El Departamento
Pendant lamp
El Departamento
Display shelves
El Departamento
Furniture
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