3D-printed, organic formations by external reference engulf la manso store in barcelona

inside la manso store by external reference in barcelona

Spanish architecture studio External Reference has been commissioned to design the first flagship store for La Manso, a contemporary costume jewelry brand, in the heart of Barcelona‘s Eixample district. The 25 sqm boutique is located just a few meters away from the house where Adriana Manso, the brand’s young founder, was born. Turning plastic pieces into a form of luxury, La Manso aims to usher in a new era, bringing it closer to the world of haute couture with unique and iconic designs. Following this vision, External Reference’s Carmelo Zappulla combines the floral elements of the store’s impressive modernist facade with the contemporary plasticity of the brand’s products to create captivating 3D-printed displays, reinterpreting classic decorations with a careful mix of craftsmanship, design, and technology.

image courtesy External Reference

LaMáquina’s 3d-printed displays echo plasticity & floral motifs

Through 3D-printed pieces exclusively designed by LaMáquina, Carmelo Zappulla (see more here) envisions the store‘s interior as an extension of the building exterior. Organic forms take center stage, turning the facade’s ornaments into large rosettes with futuristic glitches and bas-reliefs arranged at different heights, ranging from 90 centimeters to 1.70 meter. These elements exhibit La Manso’s jewelry and accessories around a small center table, carefully illuminated by adjustable mini-spotlights. Using mirrored surfaces, the space expands, while a neutral and elegant coating establishes an abstract backdrop for the iconic pieces. As part of the exhibition, the jewelry is illuminated to highlight the uniqueness of each piece, creating an intimate and deliberate atmosphere that invites exploration and the discovery of the perfect item.In addition, the store hosts a small showcase that, following the owner’s wishes, recovers the style of mythical jewelry stores, inviting passersby to glimpse at the objects in total freedom from the street. 

image courtesy External Reference

merging indoors and outdoors, physical and digital

External Reference’s conceptual design for La Manso extends to the street by repeating, mirroring, and reinterpreting the brand’s logo, infusing it with three-dimensional elements present within the interior’s creative language. In the detail of the sign, strategically placed under the corner bow window that embraces the surrounding streets with its decorations, a coherent visual connection is established between the retail store and urban environment. External Reference, as in its long history of exploring new 3D printing technologies applied to design and architecture, has relied on the experience of LaMáquina to create the store’s custom-made furniture. ‘The purpose is to build a captivating and immersive brand experience that invites users to transcend the digital realm and immerse themselves in a physical space where they can personally contemplate each piece,’ reflects the studio. 

image © Anna Mas | @annamas_photo

image courtesy External Reference

image courtesy External Reference

image © Anna Mas

image © Anna Mas

image © Anna Mas

image courtesy External Reference

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image © Anna Mas

image courtesy External Reference

image © Anna Mas

Carmelo Zappulla and Adriana Manso | image © Anna Mas

image © Anna Mas

project info:

name: LA MANSO Flagship Store

location: Carrer d’Enrique Granados 20, Barcelona, Spain

architect: External Reference

3D printer: LaMáquina

client: La Manso

project manager: Martina Ensinck

project coordinator: Gianmarco Daniele

design team / collaborators: Gianmarco Daniele, Camila Tahan

construction and structural manager: Cristina Ramos Terrades, Muntanya 96 SL 

design and completion date: June-October 2023

area: 25.25 sqm