LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space by

Year: Ongoing
Tags: Art Direction and Design, Branding, Creative Direction in Production, Environmental Design
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On the occasion of their 25th anniversary, the cultural nexus LACAPELLA (previously La Capella) came to us to rethink their identity. The building, located in the heart of Raval, Barcelona, is a space known for exhibiting local contemporary artists within a variety of different fields. Moving away from an institutional hub and growing closer to the MACBA museum or CCCB cultural center we needed to find a contemporary approach to the design to match these ambitions.

A matter of space

LACAPELLA, a former hospital, is an iconic building with a great deal of historical value attached to its identity. Our first approach was to rethink its name. By removing the space between La and Capella, we were able to keep the iconic reference, yet modernise it to match its new context. Moreover, the use of uppercase letters gives the name a familiar touch and acts as a visual statement. We chose Monument Grotesk from Dinamo Type Foundry for the typeface due to its versatility.

LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH

A modular container

A modular system was created, a system that could work both as a container and as a grid to fit all the work and content of the expos circulating within the space. The natural shapes came from the elements of the physical space, characterised by roman arches and doors. By boxing the name, we create a statement. By reducing its corners, we create recognition. This together with the iconic arch gave us a very flexible system where the the identity works as a framework for the variety of content it needed to contain and adapt to.

  • FOLCH - LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space
  • FOLCH - LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space
  • FOLCH - LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space
  • FOLCH - LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space

Integration, rather than application

One of the key intentions of the graphic system was to be able to integrate it to the space – such as doors, windows and columns. With light boxes and leds we transformed the geometric shapes of the graphic identity into interior elements. The renowned architect Stefano Colli was in charge of the whole production of the integrated graphics and signage. 

LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
LACAPELLA – defining a new exhibition space | FOLCH
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Art Direction and Design, Branding, Creative Direction in Production, Environmental Design. Ongoing