PIQUADRO

DESIGN CONCEPT

The PIQUADRO boutiques in Spain are conceived as luminous urban showcases that translate the precision of contemporary luggage design into architectural space. The concept is based on a calibrated contrast between a neutral, almost immaterial envelope and vibrant chromatic inserts that echo the brand’s graphic identity. The stores operate as compact “travel terminals” where products, light and movement form a single narrative about mobility, technology and Italian craftsmanship.

The design seeks maximum legibility from afar within busy transit environments. A deep, frameless opening dissolves the threshold, turning the entire façade into a display device. Inside, a rigorously orthogonal spatial grid organizes circulation and exhibition, while the modular system of walls, ceilings and furnishings allows the concept to be replicated and adapted across multiple locations with minimal transformation.

LAYOUT AND CUSTOMER JOURNEY

The plan is structured around a central longitudinal axis that visually connects the entrance with the back-lit brand wall. Perimeter shelving concentrates the main product families, freeing the core for a sequence of low islands and service counters. This arrangement ensures uninterrupted sightlines across the whole store, encouraging intuitive browsing and quick orientation for time-pressed travelers.

The entrance zone functions as a high-impact “runway” for best sellers, with mobile display units that can be reconfigured according to merchandising requirements. Mid-store, the density of islands increases, creating micro-ambiences dedicated to specific typologies such as business bags, travel accessories and small leather goods. The cash desk and customer service area are deliberately aligned with the focal wall, transforming the purchasing moment into the natural culmination of the spatial journey.

MATERIALITY AND DETAILING

The material palette is intentionally restrained and technological: brushed aluminium, high-pressure laminates with metallic finishes, extra-clear glass and finely textured composite panels. These surfaces provide a neutral yet sophisticated backdrop that amplifies the color and tactility of the leather goods without competing with them. The modular shelving integrates opaque and transparent elements, allowing products to appear almost suspended.

Edge profiles, joints and fixings are meticulously minimized to reinforce the sense of precision. Display islands are monolithic volumes with rounded corners, referencing the aerodynamics of contemporary luggage design. Their bases incorporate integrated storage and discrete cable management, keeping the sales floor visually uncluttered. Flooring differentiates circulation from display: darker, more intimate tones in the product area contrast with the lighter tones of the mall, emphasizing the transition into the PIQUADRO universe.

LIGHTING AND VISUAL IDENTITY

Lighting is the primary tool for constructing atmosphere and brand recognition. A system of linear recessed luminaires in the ceiling establishes a strong rhythm that guides movement through the store. Vertical illumination accentuates the perimeter walls, providing uniform, shadow-free light on products and enhancing color rendering to highlight material quality.

Integrated LED strips within shelves and wall niches create halos that dematerialize the supports and draw attention to featured items. Backlit graphic panels, with their saturated chromatic fields and photographic textures, punctuate the white and metallic surfaces and act as landmarks within the space. The signage band, with its clean typography and continuous presence along the façade, ensures immediate recognizability and coherence between different locations.

SUSTAINABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Sustainability is addressed through a combination of energy efficiency, durability and adaptability. Lighting relies extensively on LED technology with high efficiency and long lifespan, reducing both consumption and maintenance in high-usage retail environments. The modular furnishing system is designed for disassembly, allowing elements to be reconfigured, relocated or recycled at the end of their life cycle, minimizing waste during future fit-outs.

Material choices prioritize robust finishes that withstand intensive traffic and cleaning, extending the operational life of the store and reducing the need for replacement. Where possible, substrates employ recyclable metals and engineered boards with controlled sourcing. The clear organization of services and the careful integration of technical systems into the furnishings facilitate easy maintenance and upgrades, ensuring that the shops can adapt to new display technologies or evolving commercial needs without invasive construction.