El Patio: A celebration of Spanish craftsmanship at Downtown Design 2024

Showcasing the vibrant spirit of Spanish design,  Interiors from Spain debuts El Patio, a collaborative showcase designed by B8 Architecture at Downtown Design 2024 . Carrying the motto “Unity is Strength,” this immersive installation unites ten Spanish design brands in an extraordinary exhibition, blending heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship. Curated and designed by Kristina Bråteng, CEO and Founder of B8 Architecture, each brand has been handpicked to resonate with Spain’s storied design legacy, offering visitors an evocative journey through the country’s cultural and artistic roots.

Kristina Brateng, Founder of B8 Architecture

Based around the concept of an Andalusian courtyard, El Patio pays homage to the traditional Andalusian courtyard, a hallmark of Mediterranean architecture.  “As a Spanish company rooted in the UAE, our goal was to create an authentic space that reflects our heritage while honoring the architectural spirit of this region. Growing up in Marbella, where Arab influences are woven into everyday life, the patio concept felt instinctive to me.” shared Bråteng. The brands involved in the curation all add their unique touches to the overall installation experience. esPattio by Forma5 and Ondarreta highlight contemporary and sustainable furniture inspired by Mediterranean traditions, while POINT and iSiMAR offer durable, design-rich outdoor furnishings. RS Barcelona adds a playful touch with social-connection furniture, and Lladró reimagines porcelain art through lighting. Vibia’s ambient lighting blends technology with elegance, while Ape Grupo and Porcelanosa reflect Spain’s craftsmanship in ceramics. Inbani completes the collection with minimalist, finely crafted sanitary ware, embodying the spirit of Spanish artistry across a range of interiors and exteriors.

“During our initial brainstorming, my team and I explored how best to convey these ideas through the layout. Instead of isolating each brand’s area, we envisioned an integrated space where each display enhances the others, fostering a sense of unity. Rather than resembling a typical home, apartment, or exposition booth, El Patio was designed to transport visitors momentarily to Spain, creating an experience rather than a mere exhibition. Though the pavilion is only 8×10 meters, we included both intimate alcoves and an outdoor-inspired space. At the heart of the pavilion is an open-air courtyard with a central palm tree and water feature, capturing the essence of the Andalusian patio, a place for calm and relaxation.” said Bråteng.

The earthy tones of El Patio serve as a blank canvas, allowing each brand’s vibrant products to shine. A bougainvillea-covered pergola, earth-toned surfaces, and harmonious arches enhance the impact of the pavilion, drawing visitors in. The arched façade, with an aluminum structure and ropes, is a modern interpretation of the mashrabiya – offering privacy and mystery while providing glimpses of the interior. Strategically placed entrances at two corners invite exploration, revealing a setting that feels both intimate and expansive, where each brand enriches the pavilion’s unified spirit.

“El Patio captures the essence of Spanish heritage and brings it to life in a way that harmonises with the UAE’s architectural beauty,” shares Bråteng. Drawing deeply from traditional Arab architecture, the design mirrors this approach. “From the outside, the pavilion has a restrained, almost mysterious presence, but upon entering, visitors find themselves in an open courtyard that echoes the traditional Arab patio. This central patio is a hallmark of both Andalusian and Arab architecture, symbolizing a private sanctuary that brings in natural light, ventilation, and a sense of calm—a true retreat from the outside world.

The pavilion’s arches, vibrant mosaics, and intricate tiles enrich this inner courtyard, showcasing the mastery and craftsmanship of each brand in a setting that feels both authentically Spanish and deeply rooted in Arab influence. The bougainvillea-draped pergola and central palm tree, paired with earthy tones, reflect a natural elegance that resonates with the landscapes of both Spain and the UAE, connecting these two worlds through shared elements.” said Bråteng.

“Together, these features create a harmonious blend of Spanish and Emirati cultural values, inviting exploration and celebrating the two countries’ intertwined architectural heritage. The result is a space that feels timeless and culturally evocative—a genuine tribute to the bonds between these regions.” she says.

El Patio promises to leave a lasting impression, bringing the warmth, vibrancy, and ingenuity of Spanish design to one of the world’s most dynamic design fairs.