Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

 

You see, as much as I love a project with a big fat budget to work on or to share with you, I am also quite partial towards projects that were time and budget challenged, but have managed to rise to the occasion. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again a thousand times if I have to – good design and good taste (especially) have nothing to do with good budgets, although the budget certainly make things a lot easier.

 

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

 

On that note, let’s take a little look at a burger restaurant Oval, situated in a 19th century building in Barcelona’s Eixample. Super cute or what? Precisely. This interior was refurbished by Flexoarquitectura, who were commissioned to salvage and restore the venue’s original character which was covered up by a series of poor interventions over the years. “We understand the project as an opportunity to recover what we consider essential: the spaciousness and the industrial character of the space by the reinforcement of its materiality,” said the architects.

 

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

Oval Barcelona by Flexoarquitectura | Yellowtrace.

 

So why is this space good? Well, for starters, there’s an intelligent conversation going on between the old, the new, the high(ish) and the low. Instead of going back to stripping the entire building, the architects chose to expose all the layers of the previous incarnations. By doing this they’ve created an interesting collage of styles and eras, and a completely unique sense of aesthetic (not to mention saved a whole heap of time and money they didn’t have). The palette is considered, although it doesn’t feel too safe or predictable – the choice of red accent on the shopfront is a brave and clever choice which provides just enough flirtation for the eye. Clever work.

 


[Photos by José Hevia. Images courtesy of Flexoarquitectura.]

 



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

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