Alexis Kittas Jewelry

The 25 square meter jewelry store is located in the heart of Ioannina. The owner, Mr Alexis Kittas is a multifaceted, talented person. His pieces are all different from each other as if they have been extracted from different worlds, unusual and heterotopic. Nonetheless all his work is bounded by some persistent and recurring ideas such as the quality of light their creations emit, the kin geometrical patterns, the vigorous and fine workmanship, the intricate detailing. These elements compose the heteroclite sum of ideas and experiences that are expressed in his work and all together unite in a method of work and a process of transforming memories to jewelry. The starting point of our study for the design of his store was the analysis of his view on design, his inspirations and passions that drive his creative force. Hence, we wanted the space we created to detach from the usual architectural and servicing stereotypes regarding the jewelry store. We consider the usual programmatic process experienced in such stores to be outdated and mundane something that didn’t seem to fit with the work of Alexis Kittas. We wanted the user to be able to explore the space with freedom as if he has arrived in a painting of W. Kandinsky, sustained by the imagination and creative force of Alexis Kittas. Pure geometric metallic shapes lining the walls frame glass cubes, rectangle metallic boxes and round mirrors. Rings, bracelets and necklaces made from precious metals and stones are displayed in glass vitrines of various shapes and sizes. The fluorescent strip lighting illuminates the space leading to the jeweller's studio. Round and oval mirrors are placed in a away that creates depth and multiple views through their reflections. All furniture pieces, along with the modern U shape chandelier and the mirror with brass framework, were designed by the architects and constructed by local craftsmen. Every element was carefully considered- the architecture, the light, the materials used, the palette, the furniture pieces are all linked in a harmonious way. We wanted the light to be casted absorbed and reflected on the materials during the passage of the day and create a different atmosphere that would be conducted by our synthetic approach. Our goal was go beyond the given architectural typologies of the jewelry store and create a concept store that would reflect the multifaceted aspect of the owner’s creations and the ethos of his work.

Project Info
Architecture Studio: Amalgama-Architects (Angeliki Avdi, Elina Mitsi)
Construction: Amalgama-Architects
Location: Ioannina
Completion Time: 2018
Area: 25 m2
Photography: Yannis Zindrilis