Aesop Las Salesas – Madrid, Spain
Title
Aesop Las Salesas – Madrid, Spain
Website Source
Designed by
Ciszak Dalmas + Matteo Ferrari
Image Credit
© Salva López
Project Description
Project Description by Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari - Aesop Las Salesas, designed by Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari, is a refined blend of tradition
and innovation, set in Madrid’s historic Las Salesas district near the iconic Palacio Longoria. As
the second Aesop store in the city by the same design team, it offers a distinct interpretation of
the brand while staying rooted in the local architectural language.
The design draws heavily on Spanish Modernism, most notably through the use of Trencadís, a
traditional mosaic technique reimagined in a sculptural, contemporary form. Once used to
decorate irregular surfaces, it now defines sweeping architectural elements within the store,
transforming fragments of ceramic into a unified, textured landscape that speaks to both craft and
innovation.
Material choices play a central role in shaping the experience. Catedral glass interacts
dynamically with natural light to create shifting atmospheres throughout the day, reducing reliance
on artificial lighting. Locally sourced Silvestre Granito and Alpi Walnut Burl wood add warmth and
tactility, grounding the space in natural tones and textures while subtly referencing Madrid’s
material heritage.
At the heart of the spatial composition is a transparent, floating portico. This architectural gesture
blurs the lines between retail and operational zones, encouraging a layered and intuitive journey
through the store. It acts as both threshold and focal point, inviting exploration and offering
glimpses into the behind-the-scenes rituals that define Aesop’s customer experience.
The store layout encourages fluid movement and ease of navigation, fostering a sense of
openness that enhances both accessibility and engagement. Thoughtfully framed product
displays and seating areas create moments of quiet interaction, supporting a slower, more
considered retail experience.
Aesop Las Salesas stands as a thoughtful response to its context—one that honors Madrid’s
cultural identity while embracing a forward-looking design ethos. By merging heritage techniques
with a modern, human-centred approach, the store becomes more than just a point of sale: it is a
space of connection, discovery, and enduring craft.
