Designing an Urban Sanctuary in 5 Steps

AWŪ was conceived as a space to be lived in. It embodies the concept of the third space: an intermediate place that’s neither domestic nor professional, a place where people come to enjoy themselves, and where they can hang out and meet other people, forge connections, and build a sense of community in a calming environment. AWŪ is a space that welcomes both an active and a passive presence for both socializing and introspection.

The concept of the third space implies a transparent approach. It’s not about rigidly planning out the experience, but creating a framework that’s flexible enough for everyone to make the space their own based on their needs at any given moment. It is in this spirit that the design and layout of the sanctuaries were conceived, to allow for a variety of experiences that can be renewed with each passing visit.

(1) DESIGN INSPIRATIONS: BETWEEN NOSTALGIA AND EXPLORATION

Drawing influence from the tropical modernism of the 1960s and 1970s, AWŪ’s design builds on mid-century and Mediterranean minimalism, reinterpreting them with a retro-chic touch steeped in nostalgia. The lines are simple and the style is relaxed, which allows for a natural connection between materials, light, and space. AWŪ exudes a resolutely summery atmosphere and was conceived as a vibrant and welcoming place. On the rooftop terraces, a colourful palette contrasts with the urban environment, creating a genuine sense of freedom and escape and evoking the free-spirited, sunny vibe felt in the seaside resorts of Costa Rica and Mexico.

(2) WARM MATERIALS

From the moment you enter, the tone is set by the materials selected. The surfaces, matte, glossy, or textured, and sometimes deliberately irregular, create a soothing and reassuring sensory experience. Ceramics, wood, lime wash, concrete, and warm-toned stucco blend with natural fibres (rattan, linen, and cotton), inviting a sense of both travel and serenity. These organic materials are reinforced by controlled imperfection, contributing to the warm and relaxed atmosphere. Abundant vegetation completes the ensemble, accentuating the natural feel of the space. Little by little, the space becomes simpler and more comfortable; you soon feel at ease here, without ever feeling like you’re entering a place where specific postures or behaviours are imposed.

(3) LIGHT AND COLOUR AS STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

In our sanctuaries, light pours in. It flows naturally throughout the facility thanks to large windows overlooking the city that structure the spaces and reveal their function as the light changes throughout the day. The accent lighting, where coloured metal takes centre stage, contributes to the visual signature and completes the atmosphere that naturally emanates from the spaces. Like a true chameleon, light accompanies the spaces without ever dictating to them.

A natural extension of the lighting design, colour becomes a defining element of the experience. The spaces are adorned with a warm and vibrant palette consisting of earthy and natural tones such as terracotta, brown, yellow, and green. Neutral colours (beige and warm white) provide brightness and balance the overall scheme, while pastel accents highlight the textiles and accessories. These colourful touches take on a special role in the café-restaurant, where they shine brightly and stimulate the appetite.

(4) MODULATING RATHER THAN PARTITIONING

At AWŪ, light is not just a matter of openings; it is also achieved through the use of materials. Wooden panels etched with patterns and light-filtering surfaces modulate the spaces, setting the stage for a signature element: the breeze block. First appearing in the mid-20th century, this perforated brick, initially used in hot climates to promote natural ventilation, has established itself as both a functional and expressive architectural element.

Handcrafted in Spain, the breeze block used at AWŪ is individually molded with subtle variations to give it a unique character. The pattern of straight lines and triangular shapes evokes a table around which friends gather, conveying this idea of community and togetherness, almost becoming a symbol. These bricks, grouped together to form an openwork surface, blend naturally with the other raw materials; they add texture, depth, and a subtle nod to the modernist and vernacular architecture of the 1970s.

(5) FLEXIBILITY AND USER-FRIENDLINESS

AWŪ was designed to accommodate a variety of moments and meet a wide range of needs that change throughout the day. You can make a quick stop, or you can hang out, grab a bite to eat, work, move around, rest, or simply take a break. This versatility is supported by a diverse range of modular furniture, designed to naturally adapt to your rhythm and desires.

The simple, clean forms emphasize curves and organic lines, fostering immediate comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Lounge chairs, modular sofas, benches, and armchairs, elongated, low, or standard, coexist in apparent diversity, sometimes deliberately contrasting, but always coherent. The choice of materials (wood, natural fibres, rope, and metal) bolsters this sense of warmth and simplicity.

AWŪ embodies human presence; it is a living and lived-in space, accentuated by conversations, movement, and music. The architecture complements this vitality without ever imposing it, allowing everyone to find their own place. AWŪ is nature blending into the city, summer sneaking into winter; it is a familiar yet different retreat, where people enter, return, and feel at peace, time and time again.