Aesop Neubaugasse, Vienna
Austria
Inspired by the history of the Austrian capital - be it the legacy of famous minds, artists or scientists who made their home here at the beginning of the 20th century, molding the dawn of modernity.
Research in the city's archives revealed that the building's original late 19th-century facade, including a long-forgotten - now recovered large arch, had been built over several times.
The entrance is slightly offset from the street and its raised semi-circular window has fluted panes, allowing natural light to fall generously into the first of three interconnected retail spaces.
The three rooms stimulate thoughts, fantasies and reveries. The first room has a quiet grandeur thanks to its balanced proportions, high ceiling and a chandelier by Carlo Scarpa. It creates a sense of tranquility in contrast to the busy street, which is reinforced in the following two rooms.
The second room is a fascinating rotunda that hides Aesop's first Fragrance Library: the rotating niche invites to experience scents, reinforcing the feeling of an imaginary journey. In the third, narrow room, the mirrored walls and dark surfaces create a dreamy, warm atmosphere.
Images and text: Courtesy of Aesop
