Outdoor spaces: a piece of nature in our homes
Filipa Fleming
Motorsport in Portugal
Ni Amorim
Image and functionality
José Martinez
CEO and Founder of Atelier Central Arquitectos
In 1990, we began working for one of the world’s largest car groups, responsible for implementing its Image and Functionality Programme. A manufacturer who studied, researched, planned and defined, in detail, all the aspects associated with the Image, Dimensioning and Functional Programme of its facilities. At the time, there was an understanding that investing in a serious, meticulous and skilled project would have an impact on the success of any operation.
Despite being conditioned by the Image Programmes of brands, we have always taken on these projects as challenges that require time for reflection, research, creativity and design, believing that, even in these cases, it is possible to design coherent, unique projects with a high demand for quality.
Due to the economic pressures on this sector in these last few years and, more recently, with the revolution in the rationale of car distribution/sales, many brands have ended up relegating the demanding criteria for these Characterisation Studies to the side lines.
Despite this new reality, we continue to believe that today, as in 1990, for a brand to have success you need to be demanding in relation to these projects, but it is necessary to respect all the essential concerns and requirements of sustainability, while reducing the ecological footprint and continuously striving for circular economy solutions.
The Ultimate Drive Luxury Store project, on Avenida dos Aliados, is part of a challenge set by BMcar to create a distinctive and unique space in Oporto.
Forgetting all the images and concepts normally associated with dealership showrooms and looking for inspiration in a new approach that, more than showcasing and selling cars, aims to promote experiences, contacts, cultivate dreams and encourage unique and unforgettable moments, in a process that essentially aims to stimulate knowledge and partnerships, forgetting the classic approach to customers.
In the design, we sought to outline and convey the brand’s values, creating an exclusive identity, of excellence and with a strong personality. A coherent space, with a fresh design, based on a unique concept, which not only aims to highlight the cars on display, but above all to awaken and emphasise all the associated experiences. A technological space that incorporates the latest digital elements, providing an interactive experience, but with the walls, ceilings and floor in the same material - cream microcement.
The awareness of working in a significant area of Oporto, the Avenida dos Aliados, with a contemporary design, but inspired and referring to this historic area of the city. A demanding design of detail and refinement of all compositional elements of the project, emphasising rhythms, shapes, fullness and emptiness, and highlighting, in essence, all those sensations transmitted by the materials of the finishes.
Despite being conditioned by the Image Programmes of brands, we have always taken on these projects as challenges that require time for reflection, research, creativity and design, believing that, even in these cases, it is possible to design coherent, unique projects with a high demand for quality.
Due to the economic pressures on this sector in these last few years and, more recently, with the revolution in the rationale of car distribution/sales, many brands have ended up relegating the demanding criteria for these Characterisation Studies to the side lines.
Despite this new reality, we continue to believe that today, as in 1990, for a brand to have success you need to be demanding in relation to these projects, but it is necessary to respect all the essential concerns and requirements of sustainability, while reducing the ecological footprint and continuously striving for circular economy solutions.
The Ultimate Drive Luxury Store project, on Avenida dos Aliados, is part of a challenge set by BMcar to create a distinctive and unique space in Oporto.
Forgetting all the images and concepts normally associated with dealership showrooms and looking for inspiration in a new approach that, more than showcasing and selling cars, aims to promote experiences, contacts, cultivate dreams and encourage unique and unforgettable moments, in a process that essentially aims to stimulate knowledge and partnerships, forgetting the classic approach to customers.
In the design, we sought to outline and convey the brand’s values, creating an exclusive identity, of excellence and with a strong personality. A coherent space, with a fresh design, based on a unique concept, which not only aims to highlight the cars on display, but above all to awaken and emphasise all the associated experiences. A technological space that incorporates the latest digital elements, providing an interactive experience, but with the walls, ceilings and floor in the same material - cream microcement.
The awareness of working in a significant area of Oporto, the Avenida dos Aliados, with a contemporary design, but inspired and referring to this historic area of the city. A demanding design of detail and refinement of all compositional elements of the project, emphasising rhythms, shapes, fullness and emptiness, and highlighting, in essence, all those sensations transmitted by the materials of the finishes.
