External Reference Creates Organic 3D-Printed Displays for La Manso Store in Barcelona

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Discover how External Reference, a design studio, utilized 3D printing to create stunning and organic displays for La Manso, a jewelry store in Barcelona. The store’s owner, Adriana Manso, wanted her store to have an extraordinary interior concept that matched the unique nature of her jewelry pieces. External Reference’s design concept centered around bringing the exterior facade inside, resulting in a fluid and melted backdrop that serves as an artistic canvas for showcasing the jewelry. By combining Catalan modernism and the organic designs of La Manso, the team crafted a visually captivating environment that elevates the overall shopping experience. The article dives into the process and details of the project, including the use of 3D-printed shelving structures and the incorporation of architectural elements. Explore the innovative world of 3D printing and its applications in creating captivating retail spaces.

Table of Contents

Designing a Unique Interior Concept

Adriana Manso, an experimental jewellery designer, wanted a unique interior concept for her first physical store in Barcelona. She approached Carmelo Zappulla’s studio, External Reference, to bring her vision to life. The goal was to create a space that evokes the luxury feel of an haute-couture boutique while showcasing Manso’s playful pieces made from recycled plastic.

To achieve this, External Reference drew inspiration from Barcelona’s early 20th-century architecture. They aimed to blend the expressive elements of Catalan modernism with the organic forms inspired by Manso’s design. The result is a visually captivating environment that elevates the overall shopping experience.

Creating Organic 3D-Printed Displays

One of the standout features of Manso’s store is the 3D-printed shelving structures. Informed by Catalan-modernist buildings, these structures serve as the backdrop for displaying jewellery and accessories. The designers at External Reference used hand drawing and computational design techniques to abstract fragments from the decorative facade and create organic shapes.

The shelving units range in height from 90 centimetres to 1.7 metres, providing a dynamic and visually appealing display. The furniture is made from biodegradable cellulose and was produced with technical support from specialist 3D-printing workshop La Máquina. This collaboration ensured that the digital models were refined and optimized for printing, allowing them to be split into manageable parts for production.

Optimizing Digital Models for Printing

The technical support from La Máquina was crucial in refining and optimizing the digital models for 3D printing. Zappulla and his team worked closely with the workshop to ensure that the models could be efficiently processed by the machine’s robotic arm. This involved splitting the models into manageable parts, allowing for easier production and assembly.

By optimizing the digital models, External Reference was able to ensure the structural integrity and quality of the final 3D-printed displays. This step is essential in the overall design process to ensure that the end result is not only visually captivating but also functional and durable.

Muted Off-White Finish and Illumination

To provide a neutral backdrop for displaying the jewellery, all of the printed elements are finished in a muted off-white shade. This choice complements the overall design concept and allows the focus to be on the pieces themselves. The off-white finish also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

In addition to the muted color palette, large mirrored surfaces were incorporated into the design to create a more expansive feel. Mirrors have a transformative effect on interior spaces, making them appear larger and brighter. They also add a sense of depth and dimension to the overall design.

To highlight the collection, spotlights were strategically placed to provide targeted illumination. This ensures that the jewellery is showcased in the best possible light, enhancing its beauty and allure. The combination of the muted off-white finish, mirrored surfaces, and spotlights creates a visually stunning and immersive shopping experience.

Window Display and 3D-Printed Signage

To extend the conceptual design of the store to the street, External Reference developed a window display and 3D-printed signage. The window display serves as a preview of what awaits inside, enticing passersby with its unique and captivating design.

The 3D-printed signage not only enhances the visual identity of the store but also creates a cohesive and immersive brand experience. It showcases the innovative and modern aspects of Manso’s brand while staying true to the overall design concept of blending Catalan modernism with organic forms.

The Advantages of Large-Scale 3D Printing

The use of large-scale 3D printing technology offers designers a multitude of advantages when it comes to creating unique elements for branded interiors. It provides the opportunity to bring innovative and visually striking designs to life, resulting in spaces that are truly one-of-a-kind.

The popularity of large-scale 3D printing is on the rise in retail spaces. Not only does it allow for the creation of bespoke and eye-catching displays, but it also offers the flexibility to customize designs based on specific needs and preferences. This level of customization helps brands stand out in a competitive market and creates memorable experiences for customers.

Examples of 3D-Printed Retail Spaces

There are already notable examples of how 3D printing has been used to create stunning retail spaces. Nagami, a Spanish design studio, created transparent 3D-printed displays for sustainable clothing brand Ecoalf. These displays evoke melting glaciers, tying into the brand’s focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Studio RAP, a Dutch architecture practice, used 3D printing to produce a wave-like tiled facade for an Amsterdam boutique. The result is a visually striking exterior that attracts attention and reflects the innovative and modern nature of the brand.

These examples showcase the creative possibilities of 3D printing in retail spaces. They demonstrate how this technology can be used to create unique and captivating designs that align with a brand’s values and identity.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Adriana Manso and External Reference resulted in a truly unique and captivating interior concept for Manso’s store in Barcelona. The organic 3D-printed displays, blended with the Catalan modernist influences, create a visually captivating environment that elevates the overall shopping experience. This project showcases the advantages of large-scale 3D printing in retail spaces and serves as an inspiration for future designs in the industry.