Aesop's new store in Barcelona is rooted in identity and sustainability. In Mesura’s search to connect the dots between these concepts, we found a figure that perfectly matched both: the anonymous artisans and unknown artists who preserve tradition and technique throughout generations. In a distinctly local approach, the project reuses KM0 stones from the Montjuïc quarry that have withstood the test of time, aiming to push back against the influence of globalization on the retail sector. 

Aesop approached Mesura to design their second store in Barcelona, initially intended for a modernist building on Rambla Catalunya. While researching its history and the Catalan modernism movement, these plans fell through as the space became unavailable, leaving our investigation at a standstill. After an eight-month hiatus, though, the final location was secured, and the brand's vision was clear: they wanted a space that went beyond beauty and resonated with the public through meaningful design.

Aesop's vision was for a space that was social, timeless, and local. The design team, however, added a fourth dimension: sustainability. To create a social atmosphere, Mesura delved into the history of Barcelona's public fountains. For timelessness, Mesura revisited our material research, concluding that stone was the most suitable option due to its unparalleled resistance and durability. Lastly, in a bold move, they committed to using only local stones for their quality and to make the project sustainable and purposeful for the long term.