Barcelona-based architecture firm External Reference, led by Italian architect Carmelo Zappulla, has shared photos of a retail store design they completed for fashion brand PINKO, which includes an interior lined with 3D printed design elements.
Based on the history of the brand’s iconic swallows and inspired by the textile fibers, a 3D-printed skin was created and used to wrap the interior of the shop.
The arrangement of this skin as a cladding follows a sequence that is composed of two layers of overlapping ‘threads’, going from an initial simple and linear arrangement to then transforming into sinuous and complex patterns that give depth and textural richness to the space.
These ‘threads’ are carefully interwoven with each other and, at the same time, with the structures of the display shelves: glass shelves highlight the bags, while, in the central area, coat racks mimic the colors of the threads and display the garments, culminating in the final part of the shop, where a large mirror creates a sense of spaciousness.
Through the cladding, programmable luminous glass spheres are strategically incorporated to produce dynamic light effects, shaping a sophisticated atmosphere that transforms the shop into a refined and changing setting.
Given the complexity of the three-dimensional mesh, the production process involved creating prototypes using a novel technique in which robots 3D printed directly onto custom-made moulds.
The material of choice was PIPG, composed of 70% recycled PET-G and developed to address both environmental concerns and the need for high-quality printable materials.
The designers chose a monochromatic color palette to create a versatile, neutral, and contemporary backdrop, which complements the garments and creates an elegant and contemporary atmosphere for the new space.
Here’s a look at the diagrams for the store and various design elements.
