design collective RIOS amplifies storytelling with sensorial solutions

RIOS amplifies cultural design through colors, music & materials

Storytelling takes an architectural dimension as RIOS, the international design collective breaking boundaries to combine wellness with the built environment. Through a wholehearted approach, the company prioritizes inclusivity, diversity and creative problem-solving, all while encouraging human connection and transformative spaces. From sensory-filled exhibition Superbloom (Milan Design Week 2022) to Spotify’s amplifying campus in Los Angeles, RIOS finds vibrant solutions for fundamental challenges. 

(above) the Bloom Room of Superbloom for Milan Design Week 2022 | photo by Matteo Cirenei

(banner) Spotify Content Campus, mural by Aaron Kai | photo by Jasper Sanidad

all images courtesy of RIOS

each RIOS project carries its story

Los Angeles-based design collective RIOS goes beyond boundaries to combine disciplines and amplify the impact of design. Like a continuum, the brand operates across multiple time zones, while refining culture and evolving an understanding of the connection between architecture, landscape, and people. As a result, each project carries its story through the potential in prototyping, data analysis, expression, video, and experiential communication. 

‘As an international design collective, RIOS brings a worldview to how we design using layered and sensory experiences to create built environments and experiences. Within our approach, audacity and attunement are most important and allow RIOS to really understand our clients and the cultural context to bring bold, powerful solutions that reframe the original problem into an amazing design opportunity,‘ says Andy Lantz, Partner and Co-CEO at RIOS.

the Rain Room leading into the Sprout Room featuring Rio Benches designed by RIOS for JANUS et Cie | photo by Matteo Cirenei

RIOS’ vivid immersions FROM SUPERBLOOM TO THE SPOTIFY CAMPUS 

Multi-sensory exhibition Superbloom offered a vivid experience for visitors during Milan Design Week 2022. Through several different rooms, a continued conversation about nature and how it constantly influences and shapes our thinking as humans or designers unfolds. Ecological processes that catalyze a bloom, such as precipitation, emergence, and wildflowers, filled the spaces with each building off the previous in a crescendo of activity.

‘At RIOS, we are passionate believers that design is an act of optimism. Our projects, including Superbloom, are a powerful conduit for creating harmony in the awareness of places, people, and cultures,‘ says Sebastian Salvado, Creative Director and Partner at RIOS.

the Bloom Room filled with exaggerated and vibrant floral installations and scents | photo by Matteo Cirenei

The journey oriented the visitor through colors, scents, and sounds across three rooms – the Rain Room, Sprout Room, and Bloom Room. The engagement with nature became more immersive with the falling rain, floral aromas, fresh air, greenery, and projected images.

‘The inspiration of our exhibition is to connect people and unite the audience of Milan Design Week in a shared experience in recognition that moments of gathering, like those of a Superbloom, no matter how fleeting, can be powerful for making community,’ continues Sebastian Salvadó.

Together with Spotify, RIOS shuffles materials and forms to amplify creativity, bringing together the Spotify Content Campus in Los Angeles. The design choreographs the experience of both the artists and the employees, celebrating engagement and collaboration. The three buildings respond to Spotify’s involvement and development initiatives as a modular flow allowing for flexible workplace transitions and points of interest with private and secluded spaces. Inspired by music culture, the users are not only receptive, but are also communal and participatory.

‘The RIOS x Spotify team seamlessly tied together our 3 buildings with a real sense of journey and anticipation – as you travel  through ever-changing spaces, in terms of texture, light, material, and varying volumes – the architecture really comes alive and you can’t help but feel like you are in the centre of a creative hub,‘ says Sonya Simmonds, Head of Workplace Innovation & Design, Spotify.

entrance to Spotify Content Campus | photo by Jasper Sanidad

‘For the up-and-coming artist, the space also provides more visible pathways through the project, embedding artist listening lounges in the main work areas to foster interaction with staff and opportunities for impromptu pop-up performances along the “main street” or in lounge areas. These scenarios allow music to be shared between artists and an audience in an informal way,’ says Andy Lantz, Co-CEO, Partner, RIOS. 

RIOS transforms GoodRx Headquarters from a scattered start-up to a significant powerhouse. The Santa Monica workplace is designed as a space that brings the feeling of a personal family room through an eclectic understanding of the look and feel of ‘home.’ Active circulation for movement and experiential pathways capture the buzz of community and wellness. Employees and visitors are greeted with access to a central meeting hub, an all-hands food hall, and a library. An urban/street feel rushes inside as intimate moments activate the warehouse. 

ROW DTLA reimagines 100 years of Los Angeles history into the 30-acre campus | photo by Jim Simmons

From the ex-Southern Pacific Railroad to a contemporary hub, ROW DTLA reimagines 100 years of Los Angeles history into the 30-acre campus. By embracing its historic character and integrating architecture, landscape, and experiential graphic design, the multi-faceted retail and office destination gives the district a bold new identity while keeping its existing authenticity. Retailers, restaurants, and creative office spaces are punctuated with surprise moments of street art, unionizing everything together while anchoring and orienting visitors around. 

While embracing the building’s existing character, motivation gets creative as multidisciplinary work is elevated. The RIOS Office has been driving the push for exploration, evolution, and flux. Although RIOS embraces a hybrid work style, the office environment with bookable desks and eye-catching artistic interactions embraces the importance of physical space for group projects or autonomous work.

the Circle of Reciprocity as part of The Garden of Reciprocity | photo by Eric Sander

Until November 6, 2022, the International Garden Festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire – The Garden of Reciprocity builds on the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. The project utilizes medias of reflection such as mirrors and water to frame the landscape and let the visitors catch a contemplative glimpse of themselves. In the center of the garden, a clearing, meditative space that is both intimate and communal blurs the lines between man and nature.  

With the Modern Bungalow, RIOS creates a seamless connection between indoors and out to celebrate the flow of activity. The emphasis within the living spaces is always on the vibrant outdoor courtyard, courtyard, hand-planted with wildflowers, berries, and grasses, indicative of the intimacy and detail that exists inside the home.

lower level at Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine | photo by Art Gray

By combining places for research and treatment with transitionary and social spaces for interaction, the Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine transforms patient wellness in a nature-centric, healing environment. The design creates an environment where transparency and collaboration inspire innovative cancer research. The Institute promotes well-being by incorporating elements like biophilia, light, sound, and other sensorial strategies. Laboratories, clinic rooms, lounges, and public areas intersect to create peaceful harmony.

‘RIOS made a building that enables us to work. The building is not separate from the work, it’s part of it,’ says Dr. David Agus, the Ellison Institute’s Founding Director.

plant wall façade at ROW DTLA | photo by Jim Simmons

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Superbloom | photo by Matteo Cirenei

Superbloom | photo by Matteo Cirenei

Spotify Content Campus | photo by Jasper Sanidad

Private Residential | photo by Luis Young

Private Residential | photo by Luis Young

RIOS Office | photo by Jasper Sanidad

RIOS Office | photo by Jasper Sanidad

GoodRx Headquarters | photo by Jasper Sanidad

GoodRx Headquarters | photo by Jasper Sanidad

Garden of Reciprocity - The Circle of Reciprocity | photo by Eric Sander

Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine | photo by Art Gray

project info:

company: RIOS /@rios.imagines

projects: Superbloom; Spotify Content Campus at Mateo Campus; GoodRx Headquarters; ROW DTLA; RIOS offices; The Garden of Reciprocity; Modern Bungalow; Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine