el departamento converts hangar into dystopian-inspired nude project store in bilbao

nude project bilbao store opens in a hangar

Architecture and interior design studio El Departamento takes on one of its most challenging retail projects: an intricate labyrinth of pillars on one of Bilbao‘s most central streets. Located at 11 Marqués del Puerto Street, the Nude Project Bilbao store spans 190 sqm and stands as the brand’s largest establishment to date. This location had originally undergone maintenance interventions, including structural reinforcement of 40×40-section concrete pillars, which created an empty environment, difficult to articulate, and uninviting for visitors. Confronted with this challenge, Alberto Eltini and Marina Martín, co-founders of El Departamento, along with their team, work to transform this complex space into an opportunity to generate a bold project.

el departamento recalls a dystopian future in a brutalist space

With a clear vision in mind, the studio proposes a concept that embraces and enhances the inherent brutalist essence of the space: a hangar reminiscent of a dystopian future, where nature and bright blue shapes take over. Within this setting, each pillar is encased in large planters, serving as striking furniture elements that define the layout. Adding to the ambiance are suspended light boxes and stainless-steel structures integrated with the lush perimeter greenery. Amidst this daring atmosphere, fitting rooms emerge as inviting havens adorned with plush materials like velvet, bouclé wool, or chocolate brown carpeting featuring the ubiquitous Nude Project logo, contrasting the exterior aesthetic.

Meanwhile, lighting plays an essential role in evoking the dystopian future that breathes through the interior design. Rudimentary fluorescent tubes, distributed unevenly throughout the space, create a burst of light enhanced by the thousand reflections caused by their impact on stainless steel and the labyrinthine game of LED screens that outline circulation in space. El Departamento leaves the pre-existing installations bare and homogenize them with a neutral tone while the new ones remain in their natural form, color, and arrangement. 

Moreover, the studio showcases its high creative, technical, and developmental skills through meticulous attention to detail within the space. El Departamento has custom-designed features like the doorknob crafted from travertine marble adorned with the brand logo, as well as the exclusive speakers suspended from the ceiling of this hangar. Thus, Nude Project Bilbao integrates into the expanding network of brand physical spaces across cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Lisbon and Milan, all bearing the distinct signature of El Departamento’s design. 

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project info:

name: Nude Project Bilbao

location: Marqués del Puerto Street, Bilbao
architecture, interiors, and art direction: El Departamento

lead designers: Alberto Eltini, Marina Martín

lighting: Ilumisa

construction and LED screens: HMY

mirrors and planters: El Departamento | @eldepartamento.estudio

textiles: Deco&You

photographer: Miguel Fernández-Galiano

total area: 190 sqm 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.