patricia urquiola: scholtes showroom london

designboom attended the unveiling of the scholtès flagship store in london, a collaboration between the high end italian appliance company and milan-based designer and architect patricia urquiola. although the first of its kind, the concept of the store is meant to transcend the building and location, and be recreated in various cities around the world. the 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm cube,  around which the company creates its products, was the starting point for the project. the form was then deconstructed and repositioned in various ways to show its flexibility and versatility. it is a structure within a structure, boxes within the box of the building, therefore applicable in any space in which it might later be applied to. 

 

the materials of the frame are left exposed, allowing the visitors to sense the original skin of the space. placed within it are copper, laminate, stainless steel and glass. the combination of surfaces and textures are meant to be an ironic mix of standard and luxurious finishes, reflecting the idea of the professional high end appliances being used in a residential setting. the copper accents are based on copper pots used in traditional cooking.   however, copper sheets were too light and too orange for the space, therefore each piece was oxidized by hand to give the plates a unique finish while darkening it. 

 

the store is separated into three different areas, the reception, the showroom and a demonstration area downstairs. the basement level is a modular space where the tables come apart and reconfigure depending on the desired use. cooking classes, conferences and dinners can all be accomodated in the private, yet open setting.