ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ

DESIGN CONCEPT

The ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ stores are conceived as warm, urban refuges within highly transit‑oriented commercial environments. The design establishes a clear contrast between the neutral, almost infrastructural exterior of the malls and an interior universe defined by craft, tactility and calm. The architectural language prioritizes horizontality and openness, avoiding enclosed boxes in favor of fluid, porous boundaries that invite visual continuity and intuitive access.

The concept is based on three key ideas: a continuous wooden “landscape” that unifies the chain of stores, a vertical rhythm that orders the product display, and a soft, domestic lighting strategy that transforms shopping into an intimate, leisurely experience. These elements are replicated with variations in the nine different locations across Spain, ensuring a recognizable brand identity while allowing adaptation to each specific mall geometry.

LAYOUT AND CIRCULATION

The floor plan is structured around a central longitudinal axis that organizes the main circulation. From this axis, secondary transversal paths branch out towards the perimeter display walls and freestanding furniture islands. This configuration guarantees a clear and legible route while encouraging cross‑views between product categories.

At the entrance, a generous threshold without doors or visual barriers blurs the line between corridor and interior. Strategic placement of low display tables and mannequins creates a graduated transition, avoiding abrupt visual obstacles and allowing the store to be perceived in depth from the mall. Fitting rooms and service areas are grouped towards the back, forming a more secluded and intimate zone that balances the public character of the access area.

MATERIALS AND TEXTURES

The material palette is deliberately restrained, built around natural timber, warm textiles and matte, neutral surfaces. A continuous timber floor extends from the entrance to the rear, acting as a unifying base that visually “pulls” visitors into the store. Vertical wooden slats, used as both partitions and backdrops, provide transparency and rhythm while filtering views in a subtle way.

The display walls combine open shelving and closed storage, predominantly in oak tones, emphasizing the tactile quality of the garments and accessories. Occasional lacquered elements and metallic profiles introduce measured contrast without compromising the overall sense of warmth. Upholstered seating in muted, earthy colors reinforces the idea of a lounge rather than a traditional retail environment.

LIGHTING AND ATMOSPHERE

Lighting is a fundamental component of the project, designed to generate an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. A combination of recessed ceiling fixtures, track‑mounted spotlights and large pendant luminaires allows differentiated lighting layers. General ambient light remains controlled and warm, while accent lighting highlights key collections and display areas.

At the storefront, a higher lighting level creates a luminous frame that enhances visibility from the circulation corridors. Deeper inside, more subdued intensities and focused beams encourage slower browsing and emphasize textures and volumes. The careful use of warm color temperatures strengthens the perception of comfort and material richness.

FAÇADE AND BRAND PRESENCE

The façade operates as a continuous showcase, with large glass panes from floor to ceiling that maximize transparency and create direct visual connection with the interior. The brand name appears in a simple, backlit typographic treatment, suspended over the opening or integrated into a horizontal band, depending on each location’s constraints.

Instead of relying on heavy graphic elements, the identity is conveyed through the depth of the interior, the visible wooden slats and the warm glow of the lighting. The storefront is conceived as a cinematographic frame in which mannequins, furniture and customers become actors, constantly reactivating the image of the brand.

SUSTAINABILITY AND LONGEVITY

Sustainability is addressed through material selection, construction logic and lighting efficiency. The recurring use of certified timber and durable finishes extends the life cycle of the fit‑outs, allowing for reconfiguration and partial reuse across different stores in the chain. Modular furniture components facilitate maintenance and future adaptation without requiring full refurbishment.

Lighting design incorporates high‑efficiency LED luminaires and control systems that adjust intensity according to opening hours and natural light availability in each mall, reducing energy consumption. The restrained palette, timeless forms and avoidance of overly trend‑driven elements contribute to a design whose aesthetic longevity minimizes waste associated with frequent image updates, aligning the commercial space with contemporary criteria of responsible, enduring architecture.