Location: CUENCA, Ecuador 400 sqm 2016
Client: Private Client
Type: Residential

When the Moscoso family bought the Palacio de Cristal in 1995 it was almost in ruins. They then started the transformation process that eventually would restore it to its former splendor. It took years of patient and caring work by Gustavo Moscoso and his sister May, supported by Area-17’s Enrico Tomidei, a team of artisan restorers and local craftsmen to fulfill the vision conceived by the Moscosos and to gather a refined selection of unique pieces of furniture, chosen with the help of interior decorator Julio Vinueza.

The construction of this Spanish Colonial palace in the old city center of Cuenca began at the end of the 19th century. It was only during the 20th century that it gained the current aspect, though, when the then owner got back from a Grand Tour in France and decided to fully redecorate the interiors in an opulent French Renaissance style. Frescoes, wooden boiseries, richly decorated metal claddings (latón), and the construction of a third floor as a mirador overlooking the city date back to this time.
The interior design meets the dwelling’s eclectic flair and juxtaposes the new owner’s taste to its historic legacy. Bespoke furniture made by South-American top craftsmen embodies Gustavo’s strong and international personality. GM Palace is currently his urban pied-à-terre, where he takes relaxing pauses from his frequent trips among Ecuador, New York, and the European fashion capitals. When the owner is not home, GM Palace also serves as a luxury guest-house for family and friends.

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SHANGHAI, Cina 630 sqm 2024

Overlook the majestic Shanghai Tower, the CBS R&D Shanghai Office is crafted to ensure that every employee can savor the stunning vistas. The office's design emphasizes transparency with partitions that don't reach the ceiling, fostering an expansive atmosphere and a sense of unity, as if everyone shares the same continuous space. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a robust, iconic Monte Verde marble reception desk, crowned with an impressive lighting grid that draws the eye towards the breathtaking backdrop.

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SHANGHAI, Cina 100 sqm 2024

Rossignol's century-old competitive skiing spirit is unmistakable at "Shanghai Ski World," the world's largest indoor skiing resort.

The store is strategically located right at the entrance to the ski slope, featuring Rossignol's distinctive retail design. Technical details, Alpine stones, and large, emotive graphics immediately immerse customers in the excitement of snow sports.

The store offers a top-notch selection of the brand's technical equipment, garments, and accessories, ensuring visitors are well-prepared for their skiing adventures.

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CHANGBAISHAN, China 120 sqm 2024

Rossignol's new store in Changbaishan is a natural and essential addition, reinforcing the brand's presence in the world's most renowned ski destinations.

The interiors creatively reinterpret natural mountain materials and technical details of high-altitude structures, immersing visitors in a mountain atmosphere. Iconic red accents enhance the futuristic design, reinforcing a distinct brand environment.

The store's design seamlessly combines fashion aesthetics with high-performance elements, perfectly embodying Rossignol's unique approach to sport and style.

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FIRENZE, Italy 4000 sqm 2023

In 2023, Unicoop Firenze celebrates its 50-year history with an exhibition -event at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence. Area-17 designs the multifunctional space centered around the exhibit "50 years of Unicoop Firenze: A Story of People" curated by Giulio Iacchetti, which retraces the evolution of the Tuscan cooperative from its origins to the present day.

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BEIJING, China 150,00 sqm 2021

During the construction work for the new flagship store inside the Taikoo Li shopping center in Beijing, Golden Goose opened a pop-up store inspired by the idea of journey. Area-17 Architecture & Interiors oversaw the project management of this unique temporary venues, which is part of the brand’s worldwide expansion with unconventional and refined design.

 

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BEIJING, China 220 sqm 2021

An iconic façade raising the brand’s profile identifies the new Golden Goose phygital concept space in Beijing, within Chaoyang District. The design leading idea is to foster an innovative and immersive shopping experience: once the customers enter the flagship store, they find themselves inside the Lab, where it is possible to customize a product with last-mile options. The industrial flair hints to a typical workshop environment where to experience the creative process first-hand.  A photo booth then invites to share the results on social media.

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SHANGHAI, China 3'200 sqm 2021

Joint-Harvest, a technical company that integrates sales, R&D and supply chain services, commissioned Area-17 Architecture & Interiors to design its Shanghai HQ. The workspace was meant to foster social interactions among the large company staff. The 3.200 sqm, spanning over 4 floors, depict the interplay of an ordinary day of work through wide open spaces and informal settings. A sincere mood of enjoying life in all its aspects is reinforced by a palette of bright, warm colors.

 

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BOLOGNA, Italy 360 sqm 2021

The Iris Ceramica Group Stand at Cersaie 2021 is designed by Area-17 Architecture & Interiors as a public square where visitors can safely meet in its wide, open spaces. Within this urban ecosystem, a few magic boxes interact with people. Moving through them, visitors discover variable views telling the brand’s core values that defined the company’s history and still inspire its future steps.