As temperatures soared on the Spanish coast this summer, Masquespacio designed a new ice cream parlour in Barcelona to help keep the heat out, with equally cool interior design to match.
Inspired by the shapes and shades of Miami Art Deco, the Valencia-based studio has created a multicoloured space in which sinewy curves are juxtaposed against straight lines and sharp angles. In the designer’s signature style, the look is complete with a touch of the dreamlike and otherworldly.
The lilac walls of Amiko Gelato are lined with square ceramic tiles of different colours, whose shiny surfaces enhance the bright lighting. The tiles also cover a series of large steps acting as multileveled benches, with small tables supported by rods protruding from the walls, where customers can enjoy their favourite cone or cup.
A brown line snakes around the ground, creating division between the contrasting colours found in the micro cement flooring. Mirrored walls and futuristic green rounded stools are placed for a spaceship-like effect, while several large plants—including monstera, dumb cane and areca palm—create a sense of tropical vegetation.
The curved ceiling fixtures, with a glossy lacquered finish, recall the balconies and cantilevered eyebrows found on the facades of buildings in Miami Beach and Palm Beach, bringing a flavour of Florida to the Catalan capital, which is otherwise famed for its own architectural style of Modernisme.
Customers at the new gelateria find striking visuals that complement the tastes on their tongues – the space is designed to stimulate all the senses, say Masequespacio’s founders Christophe Penasse and Ana Hernandez.
The colour scheme features a mix of chocolate brown, pistachio green, vanilla yellow and pastel blues and pinks, creating a selection of shades that is just as appealing as the variety of ice creams and sorbets on offer.