Retail Space Design in Almagro Neighborhood
Aesop Las Salesas, designed by Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari, is a refined blend of tradition and innovation, set in Madrid’s historic Las Salesas district near the iconic Palacio Longoria. As the second Aesop store in the city by the same design team, it offers a distinct interpretation of the brand while staying rooted in the local architectural language.
Photo: Salva López.
The design draws heavily on Spanish Modernism, most notably through the use of Trencadís, a traditional mosaic technique reimagined in a sculptural, contemporary form. Once used to decorate irregular surfaces, it now defines sweeping architectural elements within the store, transforming fragments of ceramic into a unified, textured landscape that speaks to both craft and innovation.
Photo: Salva López.
Material choices play a central role in shaping the experience. Catedral glass interacts dynamically with natural light to create shifting atmospheres throughout the day, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Locally sourced Silvestre Granito and Alpi Walnut Burl wood add warmth and tactility, grounding the space in natural tones and textures while subtly referencing Madrid’s material heritage.
Plans.
At the heart of the spatial composition is a transparent, floating portico. This architectural gesture blurs the lines between retail and operational zones, encouraging a layered and intuitive journey through the store. It acts as both threshold and focal point, inviting exploration and offering glimpses into the behind-the-scenes rituals that define Aesop’s customer experience.
Photo: Salva López.
The store layout encourages fluid movement and ease of navigation, fostering a sense of openness that enhances both accessibility and engagement. Thoughtfully framed product displays and seating areas create moments of quiet interaction, supporting a slower, more considered retail experience.
Photo: Salva López.
Aesop Las Salesas stands as a thoughtful response to its context—one that honors Madrid’s cultural identity while embracing a forward-looking design ethos. By merging heritage techniques with a modern, human-centred approach, the store becomes more than just a point of sale: it is a space of connection, discovery, and enduring craft.
Photo: Salva López.
Aesop Las Salesas, Madrid
Il negozio Aesop Las Salesas a Madrid, progettato da Ciszak Dalmas e Matteo Ferrari, si trova nel quartiere storico di Las Salesas, vicino al Palacio Longoria. È il secondo punto vendita del brand realizzato dal duo nella capitale spagnola e rappresenta un equilibrio tra tradizione e innovazione.
Il progetto si ispira al modernismo spagnolo, in particolare attraverso l’uso del Trencadís, tecnica musiva reinterpretata in chiave contemporanea per modellare elementi architettonici scultorei. I materiali locali, come il granito Silvestre e il legno Alpi Walnut Burl, insieme al vetro Catedral che filtra la luce naturale, contribuiscono a creare un ambiente tattile e luminoso.
Photo: Salva López.
Un bancone centrale con lavabi e colonne scolpite articola lo spazio e accompagna il visitatore tra area operativa e zona vendita, suggerendo un’esperienza stratificata e trasparente.
L’allestimento favorisce una fruizione lenta e riflessiva, con espositori e zone di sosta attentamente studiati. Aesop Las Salesas si presenta così come uno spazio che valorizza l’identità culturale di Madrid, fondendo tecniche artigianali con un approccio progettuale contemporaneo.
(riassunto in italiano a cura di weArch)
Photo: Salva López.
