A Story of Transformation: The DOUBLE / REBASE Headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece
The newly renovated DOUBLE / REBASE Headquarters in Thessaloniki, Greece, stands as a testament to the transformative power of design. Guided by the enduring principles of Ancient Greek architecture, White Architects pushes the boundaries of typical fashion retail design, introducing a new architectural language to the Greek design landscape.
This project breathes new life into a previously utilitarian building with an unremarkable internal space of 1500sqm that spanned across 2 levels. The existing labyrinth of spaces was entirely cleared away, retaining only the metal columns within the showrooms.
The entryway serves as the starting point, with a symphony of design elements, including a striking curved concrete wall seamlessly integrating with a reception desk. This bold design choice defines the space, creating a captivating first impression of the brand identity
The brief called for an open-plan workspace with a layout that seamlessly integrates various functionalities between the floors. The ground floor embraces flowing lines, integrating office areas with a welcoming lobby and a kitchen. The softly curving forms subtly define 2 dedicated showrooms, offering a distinct space for product display without compromising the sense of openness. The first-floor houses additional office spaces and essential service areas. The open concept extends upwards through a linear design that visually unifies the space, accentuated by a thoughtfully designed staircase.
The fluid forms are the most striking design element, where curves serve as a powerful visual language to evoke a sense of organic movement, subtly referencing the special geometry and attention to detail in the fashion design process. Moreover, the flowing forms act as a guiding force, defining pathways and distinct zones and encouraging visitors to navigate the space and discover different areas.
Continuous cement surfaces on walls and floors provide a nuanced backdrop with less visual clutter allowing the flowing volumes and carefully curated furniture to take centre stage. The color palette throughout the project leans heavily on earthy tones, which complements the modern aesthetic and creates a sense of grounding and connection, respecting the tradition while embracing a forward-thinking design approach. The metal columns remain exposed within the showrooms; this juxtaposition of raw and refined elements creates a dynamic tension, further enriching the visual narrative.
Lighting plays a crucial role where strategically placed lights illuminate specific areas, highlighting the captivating curves of the walls and drawing attention to the recurring elements. Track lighting and pendant lights ensure products are presented in their true colors and forms. These elements fill the vast ceiling space without overpowering the fashion items on display below, striking a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, resulting in a project that transcends the boundaries of conventional design.