Aesop Barcelona by Mesura

Barcelona, Spain

Aēsop’s Barcelona store embodies a blend of local tradition, sustainability and meaningful design. Central to the project is the use of Montjuïc stone—an iconic material exclusive to the city— which is no longer being quarried due to its limited supply. 

The designers, Mesura, partnered with the renowned Barbany stonemason family, who collected and preserved fragments of this precious stone from demolished 19th-century buildings over many years.

Part archaeological homage, part exquisite collage—78 restored stone pieces were recovered and designed as entirely one-of-a-kind sculptures to make this store come to life. “We found we needed a way to describe our process. Anastylosis is a Greek term for reconstructing ancient monuments by piecing their scattered parts together as precisely as possible. Since there’s no specific term for the creative process of designing with previously used materials, we called it ‘Creative Anastylosis.’ This means we’re flipping the traditional design process. Instead of starting with an idea and making it a reality, we begin with available materials and use our creativity to craft something entirely new,” Mesura co-founder and partner Carlos Dimas Carmona says.

The result is a timeless, socially resonant retail space where the stone ensemble, housing the signature ritual sink, serves as the focal point. Minimalist elements like textured stucco walls and sleek steel accents frame the stones, showcasing their beauty. A patchwork of Barcelona’s architectural legacy, this store challenges the uniformity of a global retail—without question, a deserving space to be included in our 2024 Best of est.