– Madison Absolute Beauty 2013 –
Calea Dorobantilor 152
Bucharest
BLACK BOX//WHITE CUBE
The location is a stark modern building in the center of Bucharest. A linear, black and transparent frame holding an ample space, flooded by light.
Supporting columns are placed behind the transparent façade, showing the city.
Most striking is the tree showing through the far window, it introduces a strong organic detail into the situation, and together with the volume itself it becomes almost reminiscent of Japanese architecture: Often simple linear buildings, where the roofs are carried by a light structure, and the sides can be opened to make the garden or nature present inside.
This Zen-like quality gives this basically graphic space a very airy pleasant atmosphere suitable for a perfume, beauty and skincare shop.
I wanted to protect this open view and, like in Zen interiors, keep the furniture low and very linear in order to keep this quality.
Madison had built her reputation on a cool simple black and white glossy linear chic.
I added ‘vintage’ wood, veneered dark brown wood, glass and black iron to give texture, create more organic surfaces and emphasize the Zen-like soul of the space.
A theatrical concept to add a new –soft- architectural element to the space: Long sweeping curtains.
Not only do these ‘dramatic’ curtains soften and frame the space and view, and including the small coffee corner, it became a pleasant place to lounge.
