The Vision Company

Almería, Spain | 2024
[JAO Arquitectura]

The Vision Company is an adaptation project of a commercial establishment into an optic store. In it, we intervene with a layering strategy in a re-discovered existing space.  

RE-ADAPATION OF THE EXISTING SPACE​

The starting point was a commercial establishment situated in a corner with an unpermitted mezzanine, without access and in need of structural reinforcement. As per regulatory requirements, the mezzanine had to be set back with respect to the façade line for its legalization. We saw this as an opportunity to reinterpret the existing space. Through this demolition and structural reinforcement operation, we were not only increasing the surface area of the establishment but also uncovering a new pre-existing volume. Thus, we reinterpreted the location as a large double-height space within which a mezzanine is inserted. In this double-height setback space, relationships between different levels are created, accesses are generated, and the façade expands.

The project had to be carried out with a tight budget. In this cases Fidelity towards a very clear idea and concept is of special importance, allowing to work following a guiding thread that articulates the entire project design, achieving more with less.

From this point on, we work along the lines of this interpretation of the new space achieved in the premises, inserting several layers of information with specific identification codes, basic actuations and elements.

-  The new re-discovered space. It is treated as an existing space with “no action”. We use neutral tones, a grisaille, composed of the concrete structure, exposed installations, and the addition of a layer of plaster texture reinforcing its identity of pre-existence.
- Recovered mezzanine: We treat this space as if it were an inserted artifact, separate from the discovered volume. A colour appears here, an intense and sober aubergine tone
- For the consulting rooms and medical care areas, we use medium pink tones. A distinction is made between the commercial area on the ground floor and the healthcare area on the first floor.
- For the fourth layer, the concept of reuse is employed. Utilizing some fences stumbled upon by the property at a junkyard, it was decided to use this element that completes the image of the premises. The "elements" are lacquered in a colour and used for resolving the false ceiling on the ground floor, mezzanine railings, and even display furniture.
- Lighting in the premises is another crucial point, with a suspended track in the double height space and surface luminaires on the mezzanine level.

The accessory furniture, as the final layer of elements, including tables, chairs, and decorations, are interrelated through colour. The main counter is crafted with a special piece enhanced by a deeper shade of pink.

The success of the project was defining a concept and following a design line well-understood to achieve an image strong and global. Text description by the architects.

Source: www.jaoarquitectura.com
Photography by: Adam García