The new L’Oréal Academy is located on Corsega Street in Barcelona, between Paseo de Gracia and Avenida Diagonal. The concept centers around the idea of overall beauty, drawing inspiration from hair itself. The 1,100 m² space is distributed between two floors: the ground level accommodates public programs and training rooms, while the upper floor includes offices and skincare facilities.
Interior design elements evoke hair’s texture and movement, with sinuous white and gray lines that highlight the hairstyles and colors of the salon. A hand-drawn mural greets visitors in the reception and bar area, leading into a dynamic classroom and training space. Cleverly concealed storage is built into the walls to accommodate products discreetly.
Lighting plays a key role, with a mix of ambient white light and sculptural spotlights. Handcrafted rattan lamps, inspired by hair, enhance the warmth and character of the space. The ceramic flooring, custom-designed by Cerámicas Cumella, nods to Barcelona’s modernist tradition while providing durability against chemicals. The L’Oréal Academy balances functionality, beauty, and a strong sense of place, emblematic of EMBT’s design ethos.
The starting point was developing various collages to illustrate L’Oréal’s history along its hundred years of existence. The collages were composed of images and fragments of hair, scissors, women, trying to reveal the aspirations of the salon.
