Sit with a space is a new series on the blog. I’ve had the idea for nearly a year but kept looking for the time to write lengthy posts on spaces I’ve learned from or love. I’m releasing all that and giving you guys my thoughts whether it’s a drip or a well.
Today’s space was discovered while mood-boarding for a project I was preparing a proposal for. I was researching as I always do for precedence, especially with exploring the materiality I had in mind for the space. I was searching for the source of a screenshot on my phone when this popped up as one of the results.
The space in question is the Haight Clothing Store in São Paulo, Brazil. Haight is a Brazilian luxury swimwear brand known for striking silhouettes and blocks colours. They have 3 stores in Brazil, all were relevant to my research but my favourite is the one in São Paulo. The space was designed by Entre Terras & Pablo Resende.
The 260sqm retail project is a restored building. The original space guided the designers’ decision to opt for an opaque facade. The entire space is enveloped in a textured plaster which removes all distractions. Sandstone is a prominent material as well used in a decorative and functional objects. The contrast between the geometric volumes of the front of the shop and the cavernous interior is brilliant. Contrast is important to the designers as the metal racks against the creamy walls feel like a pleasant jolt.
The space is immersed in the surreal as the play with light feels like a painting. The internal chamber is enveloped in a maze-like structure providing improved circulation and a sense of adventure. The ceiling opens up to the sky in multiple spaces allowing light to complete the feeling of having entered a meditative place.
I am immensely pleased with this space. Let me know what you think of it.
Photos by Entre Terras, Pablo Resende and Pedro Kok.