Voga Di Sopra

Arezzo/

The project connects the existing space on street level to the intimate and domestic atmospheres of the upper floor. The sequence of rooms reveals a common underlying matrix, without however affecting the well-defined character of each one of them/

The new space, accessible both by elevator and spiral staircase, is identified by the typical atmosphere of the old town residencies, with high ceilings and casement windows. From the very beginning, the client’s brief was to maintain the residential feel, exploring the expressive potential of the "apartment" type vs the contemporary idea of retail/  

Starting from this premise, the concept seeks to shift spaces, objects and furnishings from their traditional domestic vocation, onto a new spectrum of retail experience. Therefore, elements such as the fireplace, dining table and living room, change into new forms of product display and do so through the so-called Components, a series of key actions that highlight the hierarchical relationship and interdependence between the parts/

We start by adjusting flows and spaces based on the functional and distribution program and the connection between upper and lower floor; large openings (portals) in the load-bearing walls redefine the passages, while the two areas with the existing services respectively become the distribution block and the fitting room area. These interventions are highlighted by the choice of materials such as wood, steel and other finishes in friction with the existing ones/

The second Component is the existing floor with terrazzo tiles, present in each room and slightly different in tonalities and decorative frames. Usually, these tiles have a strong character, but if abstracted to their pure geometry and not overshadowed by an overly expressive design, they become a key to decode the space and facilitate the shaping of the following components/

The next and perhaps most important design action is the identification of a consistent reference height for the entire floor, that of the highest window soffits (3.20 m). This height helps to balance and harmonize the spaces; ceilings and wall parts above this line will feature chromatic tones, matching the room-specific terrazzo floorings. The suspension light system, the big portals and the fireplace wall, are some of the Components connected to this height, the setting of which is clearly visible as you walk through the space/ 

Finally, the fixed and movable fixtures; the former (perimeter hanging rails, shelves, fireplace wall, pivoting mirrors) set on the 20x20 grid of the terrazzo, tend to become an integral part of the existing space, the latter, often centered in the rooms, are potentially re-adaptable in placement and function. A part of these ones is made of ultra-polished steel and overlayed on the terrazzo texture, sees its volume reflected and dematerialized. The other part is strongly inspired by the iconic design of the French school of the early 1900s, an example of harmony between functionalism and aesthetics, in line with the design intent/

Client: Voga / Design collaborators: Gabriele Ripani, Marta Hrvatin / Photo credits © Omar Golli