tubular stainless-steel elements reflect optical boutique's arched facade in barcelona

El Departamento designs PJ. Lobster’s third Optical Boutique

El Departamento, architecture and interior design studio, extends its collaboration with PJ. Lobster by designing the third optical boutique, strategically positioned in Barcelona‘s Eixample district, Spain. Aligning with the brand’s expansion plan, following the first two store designs (see more here and here), the spatial concept emphasizes a rationalist character, uniting minimalism with substantial materiality within an ancient noble building. Situated in an iconic area of Barcelona, the boutique unfolds on the ground floor of a historic structure with an eclectic Catalan style. Photographed by José Hevia, the monumental space, characterized by a square morphology and a height exceeding five meters, features a central pillar dividing it into four quadrants, one incorporating a mezzanine. The four large arches, serving as both windows and focal points, display custom stainless-steel shelves in a lattice-like manner.

all images by José Hevia

stainless steel coats furniture, mirrors, shelves, and stairs

Notably, the main entrance is strategically positioned through the arch attached to the party wall, underscoring the building’s grandeur. The walls, coated with a historical lime mortar in a bluish-gray shade, evoke associations with Barcelona’s high society and its historical presence in the area. Tubular stainless-steel elements integrate seamlessly, serving as monolithic blocks for various elements like furniture, mirrors, shelves, and stairs. The silver travertine floor adds to the nobility of the space, engaging in a visual dialogue with the vertical surfaces and steel furniture. El Departamento’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the custom-designed furniture, including the millimetric Munt 330 stools and the prominent Blong side table. With a history of groundbreaking work in retail architecture, residential projects, and contract spaces, El Departamento (see more here) continues to leave its mark in the physical realm after successfully transitioning from digital-native collaborations.

the spatial concept aligns with PJ. Lobster’s expansion plan, emphasizing a rationalist character

housed in a century-old building, the boutique unfolds on the ground floor, featuring a square morphology

four large arches serve as both windows and focal points, displaying custom stainless-steel shelves

the central pillar divides the space into four quadrants, with one quadrant incorporating a mezzanine

walls coated with lime mortar in a bluish-gray shade evoke associations with Barcelona’s high society

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project info:

name: PJ. Lobster Optical Boutique
architect: El Departamento | @eldepartamento.estudio

lead architects: Alberto Eltini, Marina Martín

design team: Daniela Guzmán, Natalia G Fenollar, Antonio Ibañez

collaborators: Hmy, Forma-work, Sara Maroto (Ilumisa)

client: PJ. Lobster | @projectlobster

location: Barcelona, Spain

photography: José Hevia

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.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom