Barcelona, 12th January 2018 – Following the design of their Barcelona store in 2016, Antoni Palleja Office (A.P.O.) was once again entrusted by Spanish sneaker retailer, sivasdescalzo (SVD) for the restoration of their retail space in central Madrid on Calle Churruca 5. Divided into two heights, the premises, which was once an old mechanic workshop, conserved a marked industrial character that A.PO. sought out to maintain and enhance. The store revolves around a prominent grand stand, which apart from acting as an element of communication between the locale’s two levels, also serves as a product exhibition.

Surrounding this space are the various, different product display areas, which make it an open and accessible floor plan that facilitates a seamless flow. Conceptually, A.P.O. approached the project being mindful of the analogy of products sivasdescalzo carries, as well as the ever evolving world of sneakers. Inspiration was taken from the latest technological innovations and raw materials that sports and fashion brands use in creating their specialized shoes. Foresight was at the core of A.P.O.’s process, never losing sight of how each piece would contribute to the finished landscape.

The result – a shop with a sophisticated and futuristic look, where cold and rough materials are utilized ingeniously converting them into delicately finished elements. “Because of our background in the world of industrial design, we treat every element of the store as a product, giving the same importance to the whole as to the detail.” Exploiting the combination of materials, such as the positioning of the colored, anodized aluminum profiles in front of velvety curtains, gives the space the perfect balance between elegant and industrial. The aluminum profiles, customized and repurposed from industrial machinery, enable an innovative presentation and adaptability for product expositions.

One of the store’s most prominent features, the iridescent crystal glass, divides the two levels and dynamically alters its colors, dependent upon the different vantage points and light of day entering the shop. In the words of the designers: “We were interested in the experience as a journey. The deeper you go into the store and discover the products, the space is transformed by the changes of color that are stained by the light, so from any point there is a new and different perception.” In short, this is a space that deserves to be seen in person, and one where it will not be easy to leave empty handed.

Design: Antoni Pallejà Office
Photography: Luisma Ambrós