ESTANCO TABACOS

DESIGN CONCEPT

The design of Estanco Tabacos in Barcelona is conceived as a compact, highly visible retail device that concentrates product, branding, and circulation into a single continuous element. The project transforms a small premises into a strong urban interior landmark, using light, color, and glossy finishes to build a distinctive identity within the standardized imagery of the official “Tabacos” network. The furniture is treated as an integrated architectural object rather than a set of separate counters and shelves.

The concept is based on a dynamic perimeter band that wraps the main display wall and cash counter, framing the tobacco offer and guiding customer flow. This band, in red with integrated light, contrasts with the sober envelope of the shop, emphasizing the commercial heart of the space and reinforcing recognition from the exterior through the illuminated logo.

LAYOUT AND CUSTOMER FLOW

The plan is organized around a U-shaped counter system that defines a clear service perimeter while maximizing the linear meters of display. Customers circulate along the outer edge of this U, with products presented at low and medium height on the front counters and higher, back-of-house stock located on the wall display behind the cashier. This arrangement allows intuitive self-orientation and maintains visual control for the staff.

The cash point is strategically positioned at the intersection of the wall display and the central counter, acting as an anchor and visual pivot. From this point, the vendor has direct access to the full range of products and can manage both impulse purchases at the front and specific requests from the rear shelving. The geometry of the counters, with chamfered corners and soft curves, avoids bottlenecks and promotes smooth movement even in peak hours.

MATERIALITY AND LIGHTING

The furniture uses high-gloss lacquered panels in dark anthracite combined with transparent and translucent acrylics for the display areas. This contrast allows the product to become the true protagonist, with packaging colors intensified by the neutral, reflective background. Work surfaces are designed with durable, easy-clean finishes suitable for intensive retail use.

Lighting is a key compositional tool: integrated LED strips run along the red perimeter band and within the shelving, generating a uniform wash of light that eliminates shadows on the products. Warm spotlights in the ceiling complement this system, while the backlit “TABACOS” signage and logo create a layered luminous hierarchy that enhances brand presence without overwhelming the space.

BRAND INTEGRATION AND GRAPHICS

The space translates the official tobacco identity into a contemporary retail language. The vertical brand totem at the entrance, with large backlit letters, operates as a threshold element and as an interior façade. Large-format photographic panels embedded in the wall display introduce atmospheric imagery associated with cigars and landscapes, bringing depth and narrative to an otherwise compact room.

Graphic organization follows clear zoning: mass-market products are arranged in rational, modular grids, while premium cigars occupy highlighted niches with warmer lighting. This hierarchy provides quick legibility for the habitual customer and, at the same time, supports upselling through strategically positioned highlight areas.

SUSTAINABILITY AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE

The project incorporates sustainability primarily through long-life components and energy-efficient lighting. The extensive use of LED technology significantly reduces electricity consumption and maintenance compared with traditional fluorescent systems, while also limiting heat gains in a small, enclosed retail space.

Furniture is designed as a modular system, allowing future reconfiguration or partial replacement without discarding the full installation. Durable finishes minimize the need for frequent renovation, and the compact layout optimizes conditioned area, reducing overall operational energy. Preference is given to materials with stable surfaces that facilitate cleaning with low-toxicity products, contributing to a healthier work environment for staff and regular users.