L’ Escalier
Concept Store
Arachova, Greece 2015
Architecture
ADD Architecture Studio
Interior & Light Design
ADD Architecture Studio
ADD Architecture Studio Design Team
Dionysis Koutsioumaris, Argyris Chronopoulos
Photography
Mirror Studio
Awards
2018 BIG SEE Interior Design Award
The “trans-formation” of an abandoned former commercial space, situated along the main road of the village of Arachova, into an exhibition space for small products of any kind was the goal of this project.
The staircase that led to the upper floor- and was formerly separated and hidden by a wall- was chosen to be revealed due to its theatrical presence. The same happened with the bearing rock wall-background that was covered with mortar.
The choice to highlight the long axis of the plan and its perspective came through the use of a “skeleton-like” structure of frames constructed from Η steel beams. These are bent in order for their role to be emphasized ˙ they inclose the exhibitional space.
The way of exhibiting dictates the way one moves. A catwalk around the slim marble and steel tables, a stroll in front of the steel and glass drawer-showcase and the rhythm of walking given by the repetition of steel and glass jewelry boxes set on the second white background wall.
At the end of the axis a marble desk turns the visitor to walk out of the structure and down towards the basement. There, the concrete shelves create the spectacle, while the floor will accommodate the “home” products.
The concept of artificial lighting, through LED tape, constitutes the backbone of the project. At first led tape is placed on the frames, stressing the spatial structure while at the same time it has been included in the design of the tables and boxes giving emphasis on the exhibited products as well as on the materials and design details of the furniture. LED and fluorine lamps are being hung from the frame structure, thus completing the concept of the linear exhibitional axis.
