metro + paulo mendes da rocha design aesop's first store in latin america

metro arquitetos has again collaborated with renowned brazilian architect paulo mendes da rocha, this time to complete aesop‘s first store in latin america. adding to the cosmetic brand’s growing list of crafted boutiques, the são paulo outlet uses robust, locally sourced materials, complemented with handmade patterned cement tiles traditionally used for domestic flooring.

a large counter is made of polished exposed concrete
image © leonardo finotti (also main image)

the interior of the scheme seeks to create a simple, spacious setting, free of partitioning and offering total transparency to the street. materials more commonly used for civil construction are employed to lend the project a raw industrial feel, softened through the careful integration of detailed finishes.

the central area serves as a source of water for the product testing area
image © leonardo finotti

positioned on a prominent corner plot, the store has two main façades, both offering great street-side visibility. set within the sales area, a central counter is made of polished exposed concrete, cast in situ and cantilevered from a painted steel cylinder. this area serves as a source of water for the product testing area, allowing customers to explore the company’s full product range.

the project uses robust materials, complemented with handmade patterned cement tiles
image © leonardo finotti

the interior of the scheme seeks to create a simple yet spacious setting
image © leonardo finotti

the sculptural counter forms the centerpiece of the store
image © leonardo finotti

positioned on a prominent corner plot, the boutique has two main façades
image © leonardo finotti

sketch detailing the central water feature

project info:

location: são paulo, brazil
area: 100 sqm / 1,076 sqf
date: 2014
design development: paulo mendes da rocha, martin corullon, gustavo cedroni, helena cavalheiro, marina ioshii, rafael de sousa, marina pereira, isadora schneider, marina cecchi