anthracite gray brick and metal grids frame studioapart’s backpack store in barcelona

following the successful completion of their second premises in 2012, studioapart were again commissioned by CATBAG to design a new concept store on barcelona‘s cartagena street. for this latest project the brief from the family backpack company called for a space orientated towards a young urban demographic, in addition to an environmental awareness in line with the brand.

all images courtesy of studioapart

with 40 years of experience, CATBAG is already well established in the sector of accessories and luggage, bags. before beginning the design phase of the project, studioapart met with the client to gain insight into their new business vision. this included which brands they wanted to feature, what language they wanted to use and how they wanted to relate to their intended customers. with all this information, the team were able to develop the conceptual design proposal of the store. 

the interior design is based on opening the space to the outside, treating it as a huge display area and showcasing the products on offer across various levels of hierarchy. to appeal to the target audience, the material palette has been simplified to 3 skins: masonry, iron and metal grids. the exposed masonry brick is painted in anthracite gray to represent the historical context, while the untreated iron bulkhead commands the display units, and the metal grids provide the perfect backdrop for the backpacks and a conceptual reference to the urban environment.

when designing the space, one of the main stipulations was to put the product itself on center stage. as well as the industrial element of the grid panels studioapart also created custom accessories, hooks and shelves to showcase the bags. the furniture of the store was made using iron sheet and OSB in anthracite gray in accordance with the idea of functional materials. in addition, the lighting has been worked into the ceiling to provide a scenographic and controlled result, enhancing the product with different openings and typologies.

project info:

project name: CATBAG backpack store

program: concept store

location: barcelona, spain

design: studioapart

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.