Industrial Aesthetic

In the center of the city of Volos, a specialty coffee shop with a strong urban character is introduced to the public through its clearly defined design identity. The core concept focuses on the creation of a minimal and fresh space, enriched with discreet industrial elements that convey energy and an intense morning atmosphere.

 

Spatial Organization

Within a compact area of 35m2, which includes spatial units such as the bar, preparation area, customer circulation zone, seating area, as well as auxiliary spaces for storage and WC, particular emphasis is placed on the formation of a functional and ergonomic layout.

Inside, the centrally positioned bar operates both as the main functional production element and as a point of daily social interaction. Behind it, compositions of metal shelving structures arranged in a grid highlight the interior height of the space, while suspended circular metal elements add an additional industrial character.

 

 

Façade Design

The extroverted character of the space is largely defined by the design approach of the façades. Slender white metal frames open the interior towards the urban environment, transforming the coffee preparation process into a daily urban experience. In addition, the handmade pine wood entrance doors introduce a distinctive sense of warmth and a gentle contrast to the predominantly white composition.

 

 

Materials, Lighting & Constructions

Both externally and internally, white surfaces dominate, while characteristic metal elements in a vivid yellow color introduce a pop-like quality. In between, the use of oak textures adds a sense of calmness and balance. The material palette is completed by the targeted use of white square tiles.

Special emphasis is placed on construction details. From the laser-cut entrance handles to the rounded planters and fluid decorative forms, all elements are the result of deliberate design, aiming to shape a unified and coherent identity.

Finally, artificial lighting plays a significant role, following a laboratory-inspired approach through the use of suspended linear lighting above the bar, as well as neon-type signage and light boxes, completing the urban character of the project.

 

Urban energy

Located at one of the city’s most iconic and vibrant intersections, the project redefines the concept of fast food through a bold, design-driven approach that fuses contemporary aesthetics, urban energy, and the unmistakable identity of the brand.

 

Design Philosophy

More than a destination for burger lovers, the space unfolds as a modern, dynamic, and visually striking experience – one that mirrors the city’s pulse and vitality. It proposes a new way of engaging with urban life, where design meets flavor, community meets culture, and every visit becomes a celebration of Argentine identity expressed with confidence, attitude, and style.

 

 

Materials & Color

From the very first moment, the venue captivates with its lively yet welcoming atmosphere. Clean architectural lines, industrial materials softened by warm tones, and carefully curated lighting work together to accentuate textures and spatial depth. A generous glass façade invites passersby inside, revealing an open and spacious interior articulated through metallic finishes and the brand’s signature red accents, which energize the space with bold character.

 

 

Lighting & Signage

Lighting plays a central role in shaping the experience. Soft, diffused panels combined with golden neon highlights create an ambiance that is both urban and refined, echoing the rhythm of the surrounding streets. Every detail – from furniture and signage to graphic elements – contributes to a strong, contemporary, and cohesive identity, designed to deliver a memorable visual and sensory experience.

 

Contrast and rhythm

The project is conceived as an immersive architectural project where experience and brand power converge. The ambition is to create not just an educational space for hair styling but a symbolic environment that reflects the values and identity of the company. Architecture here becomes a strategic tool, reinforcing brand presence through atmosphere, materiality, and spatial sequencing. The concept transforms education into a lived experience, highlighting the inseparability of design and identity.

 

Spatial Organization

The academy unfolds as a carefully structured environment where circulation, orientation, and visibility are designed to enhance engagement. Spaces are distributed to encourage interaction and participation, offering visual continuity between different programs. The sequence of spaces guides users through a journey, framing each moment as part of a narrative that communicates the brand’s values.

The building accommodates diverse functions: classrooms, laboratories, exhibition spaces, and gathering areas. Each program is integrated within a continuous flow, ensuring that learning, experimentation, and interaction coexist. The flexible layout allows for adaptation to different activities, supporting both individual focus and collective experience. Social spaces are interwoven with educational ones, reinforcing the sense of community.

 

 

Material Palette

The material palette was chosen to reinforce the immersive character of the project. Textures, colors, and finishes create atmospheres that resonate with the brand’s aesthetic language. Concrete, wood, glass, and lighting are used strategically to generate contrast and rhythm, enhancing both intimacy and monumentality within the academy.

 

 

Context Integration

Located in São Paulo, the Truss Academy is deeply connected to its urban and cultural setting. The project embraces the city’s energy and integrates it into an environment of learning and creativity. By merging architecture with brand identity, the academy becomes a landmark not only for the company but also for the city, demonstrating how design can shape cultural and educational presence in an urban context.

 

Aesthetic preservation

This project involved the renovation of the headquarters of a building maintenance company located in Nagoya. The client requested a design that not only supports smooth ongoing maintenance and future renovations but also enhances and sustains the building’s value over the long term. The core concept, titled “Reb-O-Lution,” embodies the fusion of “rebirth” and “evolution,” preserving design integrity while creating a flexible, adaptable spatial layout.

 

Construction Method

Rather than relying on new materials, construction methods, or products that may become obsolete, the construction approach focused on facilitating the maintenance of equipment, facilities, and finishes, as well as enabling easy future modifications. The design ensures that any updates made over time blend seamlessly with the existing structure, maintaining a consistent and cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.

 

 

Material Palette

When only a portion of the floor is replaced, differences in age between new and existing areas can create a noticeable disparity, making older sections appear outdated. To address this, we used a mosaic pattern that allows for gradual, incremental updates. This enables the design to evolve smoothly over time. For walls, wear typically appears as long horizontal marks caused by the movement of people and objects. To minimize the visual impact of this wear and reduce the need for full wall replacements during renovations, we employed a design featuring horizontal stripes in varied materials and colors.

Ceilings, which house vital systems such as air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, fire safety, and communication infrastructure, require more frequent updates than their finishes. Instead of concealing these systems, we exposed the ceiling joists and painted them in a variety of colors. Ceiling panels were installed only in selected areas. This strategy allows for flexible updates, enabling the ceiling -like the floor- to evolve with each renovation while maintaining visual cohesion.

 

 

Renovation Approach

The design ensures that even after partial renovations, the space retains its original aesthetic. Over time, new and existing elements blend organically, enriching the overall character of the environment. This project goes beyond aesthetics and material choices -it establishes a long-term design strategy that supports ongoing evolution while preserving the space’s inherent value.

 

Red accents

The project is a workspace designed for a tech company called Cricheroes in Ahmedabad. This cricket scoring app company is run by a team of skilled young developers and designers who are extremely passionate about cricket and technology.

 

Design Philosophy

The primary goal of the project was to create a space that fosters creativity and wellbeing while reflecting the forward-thinking company’s energetic culture. The workspace is designed to integrate the company’s brand colour red into the space in order to strengthen the brand identity and create a sense of unity and pride amongst the team.

 

 

Functional Layout

The layout includes various open workstations, collaborative areas, meeting rooms, lounge and a reception. Large blank white walls display definitions of various cricket terminology words to infuse a sense of identity, purpose and inspiration. Finally, an abundance of indoor potted plants is created to bring a sense of comfort and freshness within the space.

 

 

Brand Identity

Accents of red is used in the flooring pattern to define these different zones. Hues of red are also selectively used in various elements such as the desks, cable trays, acoustic panels, sofa, light, etc. to reinforce the color palette. Sheer, white, light weight curtains made from linen are used to diffuse natural light in order create a soft, diffused glow throughout the office. The rest of the space is finished in neutral tones of calming whites and earthy greys to provide contrast and balance. The design is an attempt to create a space that offers respite in a world characterized by constant demands of the fast paced digital world.

 

Local interaction

The project is a curated concept store located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. It offers a retail space that spans fashion, accessories, footwear, home goods, and art derivatives.

 

Design Philosophy

The store occupies a commercial unit with an impressive original ceiling height of about seven meters. The design strategy introduces two rectangular core zones, assigning the outer glass views to distinct spatial units. Structural variation emerges through the interplay of staggered heights in these zones. The area near the glass façade retains the building’s original ceiling height, alleviating the potential confinement from the spatial layering. The second floor serves as a multifunctional space accommodating display, office, and storage functions. Through its tiered layout, the design effectively separates the open product area from the private office zone, creating a clear circulation flow that enhances the shopping experience.

 

 

Brand Identity

The brand name embodies the philosophy of intentional choice and exploration, inviting consumers to make selections that bring them closer to their ideal lifestyle. Situated in Shaoxing, the store reflects a local ethos that moves beyond imitating first-tier cities, embracing a deeper enthusiasm for participating in and exploring the unique qualities of local life. Grounded in regional context, the design integrates a climate-responsive lifestyle framework, harmonizing the shop with its streetscape in both appearance and sensory experience.

Unlike traditional curated stores that focus solely on product display, this design prioritizes human interaction. Reflecting Shaoxing’s slow-paced lifestyle, the store introduces a leisure zone at its entrance, offering light refreshments. Outdoor seating further extends this concept, providing the community with a welcoming space for rest and conversation.

 

 

Local Materials

Located in Shaoxing’s Keqiao district, the heart of China Textile City, the store leverages local textile resources for its design. Walls are adorned with fabric panels sourced from nearby markets, replacing conventional materials to imbue the space with a sense of place. Irregularly arranged columns inside the space serve as key supports for the second floor. To integrate these visually dominant steel columns into the overall design, they are wrapped with softer wooden finishes. Inspired by the verdant street trees outside, the spatial arrangement mimics the layout of a forest. Artistic detailing with varying line diameters around the core creates a fluid, walkable environment that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

 

Interactive environment

Blending 1960s influences with retro-futuristic designs, the store is a modern space that emphasizes the drama and artistry of coffee brewing.

 

Spatial Layout

The entrance is located in the middle of the three façade openings, leading to an initial zone of linear table seating. The store interior features an open-plan layout, with the main bar centrally positioned and table seating arranged along the perimeter to frame the walls. A corridor extends to the restrooms and further to the staff and product preparation areas. The central bar, crafted from stainless steel to accentuate its futuristic aesthetic, incorporates an internal conveyor belt at shelf height. This innovation transforms the counter into a dynamic “carousel,” where the continuous movement and mechanical delivery of coffee add a theatrical dimension to the space.

 

Materials & Furniture

The furniture features sofas with wooden frames and leather seats, complemented by minimalist chairs and tables with metallic finishes. The building’s existing roof structure was preserved and fitted with custom-made fixtures, covering a total of 105m². These fixtures, manufactured in sections and suspended, highlight the space’s industrial aesthetic. Plaster elements with cast moldings adorn the walls, adding a refined touch. Meanwhile, materials such as wood, metal, and tiles with geometric patterns evoke a sense of nostalgia. Along the perimeter, 72 frames were installed, each telling a story through concepts and graphic depictions of the human relationship with coffee.

 

Brand Identity

Large velvety teal curtains seamlessly integrate with the surrounding materials and can occasionally obscure the shop’s operations from passers-by. Every element of the space -along with the corporate identity, printed materials, packaging, staff attire, and serving items- has been carefully chosen to perfectly capture and convey the intended sense of character.

Modernizing tradition

Within a compact space of 34m², found at the intersection of Dionysiou Areopagitou and Tziraion streets, a store with modern aesthetic is created by incorporating layers of materials and textures, combined with classical elements.

 

Project Aim

The primary design challenge is to develop all the necessary functional zones, ensuring the best possible ergonomic utilization as well as providing seamless access for the public into the interior. In the past, the space hosted a souvenir shop and later, a coffee shop/restaurant and required many interventions in order to become operational.

The visibility towards the kitchen is fundamental element, since customers can select the choice of filling or coating for the traditional Greek delicacy ‘loukoumades’ which is the main selling product served in the shop. As a result, a narrow counter becomes the main workstation, hosting a coffee area, an ice-cream counter and finally, the traditional ‘loukoumades’ produce.

 

Material Palette

Drawing inspiration from its immediate context, the space is designed using clear lines and materials. A white marble counter, oak paneling, handmade white tiles and granite cladding on the exterior walls comprised the primary material palette. For the flooring, mosaic-like tiles were used, replicating the existing -and severely damaged- mosaic floor found on site.

 

Decorative Details

Decorative details in dark red elements -that follow the brand’s identity- combined with targeted and diffused lighting, create a performative setting that the customer or even the passerby can easily observe from outside. Finally, the store sign follows the areas’ tones and hues and is painted discretely in white.

Exclusive viewing

The VIP Boxes at the Panathinaikos basketball court in OAKA are exclusive spaces designed for enjoying games and events, as well as hosting meetings.

 

Functional Organization

The space features fully equipped suites with a range of amenities and facilities, granting exclusive access to premium services and designated areas within the stadium. A total of sixteen VIP Boxes encircle the stadium, providing unobstructed views and seamless connectivity to the event while ensuring privacy.

The VIP Boxes are available in three types, distinguished by their size and capacity: Type A accommodates eight people, Type B accommodates ten, and Type C accommodates twelve. Each box is outfitted with a cloakroom, a private restroom, a buffet area, and a kitchenette. The kitchenette includes a small sink and minibar, cleverly integrated into a hinged structure with pocket doors for added convenience and elegance.

 

Amenities & Furniture

The Boxes are fitted with cutting-edge video and audio systems, ensuring an immersive experience for visitors and enabling the playback of highlights from each game or event. The interiors are thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings, including a central seating area featuring a luxurious leather sofa set. Complementing this layout is a stylish marble and leather table that doubles as additional seating. Furthermore, a bar counter with stools is strategically positioned to offer an unobstructed view of the court, enhancing the overall experience.

 

Exterior Design & Materials

The view is enhanced by a retractable glass façade that seamlessly connects the interior with the exterior, creating a sense of continuity with the stadium. On the outside, seating is arranged to offer full visibility of the court, situated in a defined perimeter area that ensures privacy from the surrounding stands. The box area is adorned with high-end materials like marble and wood, and decorated with elements that reflect the Panathinaikos brand, including green accents on the walls and surfaces, as well as basketball memorabilia.

Local character

The project is situated in the heart of Athens’ creative community and involves the redevelopment of 500m² of office space within a six-storey building from the 1970s.

 

Design Philosophy

The new office spaces are designed to accommodate the needs of HQ, a provider of flexible professional workspaces, which is a subsidiary of the International Workplace Group (IWG). The corporate identity, along with the functional and spatial requirements of the organization, guided the design of the office layout. The goal is to create a workspace that fosters collaboration, sparks creativity, and enhances productivity.

 

Layout Principles

With a focus on transparency and creating a bright workspace that connects seamlessly with the urban environment, the offices are arranged along the perimeter of the space to ensure natural light. This layout allows them to function as private, autonomous work areas. The central portion of the space serves as a dynamic, interactive hub, accommodating the company’s shared facilities: reception area, informal meeting spaces, refreshment station, conference rooms, and auxiliary print area. A distinct textured floor, different from the office areas, along with the installation of sound-absorbing louvres on the ceiling, helps define and enhance the dynamic character of this central zone.

 

Materials & Custom Structures

Glass partitions allow natural light to flow freely into the center of the room. Strategic plants in selected areas help define the public spaces, making each one distinct while maintaining a cohesive overall composition. The meeting rooms are centrally located for easy identification and accessibility and are separated by a series of glass partitions.

 

Context Integration

A key aspect of the project was its connection to the broader region. As a hub for collaboration and interaction, the goal was to emphasize the sense of community and creativity that defines Kypseli. The selection of artwork, decorative elements, and plants was carried out in collaboration with the local community to reflect the unique character of the neighborhood.

Open facade

The architectural office is situated within a shopping centre in the heart of Voula, which houses both shops as well as offices.

 

Design Philosophy

The project aims to showcase the philosophy of Alpha/Sigma Architects while creating a functional and inviting workspace for both employees and clients. The design was shaped by questions such as what defines the aesthetic of this architectural practice, its construction methods, and its overall professional direction.

 

Materials & Lighting

Functionality is integrated with the office’s brand color palette, while a focus on materiality, transparency, and the use of artificial lighting creates a space that supports the architects’ daily activities. Brightly colored wallpapers and tiles are strategically placed, providing contrast against surfaces painted in white tones. Finally, the space is significantly upgraded in energy efficiency through an extensive renovation.

 

Spatial Organization

The floor plan is organized into zones that offer varying levels of privacy and transparency. The main work areas and meeting room connect directly to the exterior through a large, glazed façade, promoting openness to the city. The workstations are functional and tailored to meet the specific needs of the office, providing a visually “quiet” atmosphere while ensuring ample storage space. Transparent and translucent elements separate the workstations from the meeting area, which is adjacent to the material library. Finally, all utility rooms are situated at the back of the office and can be fully isolated when needed.

“Butterfly ceiling”

The project entails designing a new 250m2 office space for a company specializing in environmental surveys. The focal point of the design is an innovative “butterfly ceiling”, which features an organic and dynamic shape.

 

Layout Organization

The objective of the new layout is to maximize the use of all facade openings to allow natural light into the interior. Consequently, a central core is established, comprising the reception area and open-plan offices. In contrast, the private offices are arranged around the perimeter and separated by glass partitions for independence. Between these closed offices, a meeting room with a capacity for 10 people is situated, featuring wood-lined surfaces to ensure high acoustic standards. Additionally, a fully functional kitchen is designed as a welcoming break-out area.

 

Privacy & Soundproofing

At the workstations, free-standing partitions with integrated plants are installed to limit the view of screens and provide privacy. At the same time, instead of creating a separate filing room, storage cabinets are built along the peripheral walls, thus conserving usable space while also enhancing sound insulation between the different rooms.

 

Color Palette

The proposal incorporates shades of white and grey, complemented by light wood tones. In parallel, distinctive geometric elements are painted in green -the brand’s color identity- adding a sense of vibrancy to the space.