In the heart of Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia, renowned for its unique spirit of fashion and luxury, and in a building of incalculable historical value, stands one of Massimo Dutti’s most signature flagship stores. One of the building’s main preserved areas is the beautiful interior courtyard that has rediscovered its former splendour thanks to the renovation project carried out by the brand in 2016.
HARRY & DAVID RICH
The prestigious British landscapers Harry and David Rich were responsible for a haute couture project that was completely in synch with the historical characteristics of the building itself. The courtyard of the Rovira i Rabassa building preserves the charm of Mediterranean gardens and while it was being renovated, some original symbols were recovered such as the bench covered in exquisite, beautifully coloured mosaics.
The masterful and virtuous work of brothers Harry and David Rich was marked by the conceptualisation and creation of the landscape gardening project implemented in the store’s interior courtyard. With their good taste and artistic skill, they have managed to create a project that enhances the beauty and uniqueness of a space in surroundings very characteristic of Barcelona.
THE LEGACY OF MODERNISM
Originally, and going back to the modernist era, this was a space reflecting the lifestyle of an opulent middle class that demanded the creation of the intimate and picturesque gardens inherent to houses, with special nooks that invited quiet reflection.
This refurbishment project has taken into account all of the decisive factors enabling the recuperation of the site’s old spirit of beauty and splendour. These considerations include everything from strictly environmental factors and the type of plant holders used to the selection and combination of the ideal botanical species that might flourish here. Another aspect that has been prioritised is the use of colour, developing a chromatic map in complete harmony with the use of simple combinations of subtle and delicate hues.
INSPIRED BY NATURE
A natural space that responds to a project respecting the identity of an old Modernist courtyard. The path has been conceived as a unique experience thanks to the creation of a kaleidoscope of different botanical species and flowers that inhabit this small oasis, coming together in a delicate chromatic symphony.
The design is also an example of good taste and respect for a series of functional architectural standards that ensure the perfect circulation of visitors without obstacles to the enjoyment of an agreeable stroll or an appealing view.
Images granted by AD España. Photography: Pablo Zamora.
