0519 THE NAXOS APOTHECARY SYNTAGMA

The Naxos Apothecary Lounge in Syntagma is situated in a neoclassical building behind the Old Parliament House. This concept store blends urban aesthetics with Naxian simplicity, engaging the visitors’ senses to offer a complete hospitality experience. Trail Practice aimed to design a multifunctional space that gently transitions visitors from the city’s fast rhythms to the tranquility of the lounge area.

The primary goal of Trail Practice was to create a transition from the city center to the tranquil microcosm of the Naxos Apothecary. To achieve this, the space was organized on three levels with distinct vertical uses: a lounge on the upper floor, a pharmacy/laboratory on the ground floor, and auxiliary uses in the basement. On the ground floor, where the pharmacy is located, the objective was to create an interior that is in a continuous interaction with the city throughout the day. The laboratory faces the historic facades of Vouli and Kolokotroni streets, with the shop windows transforming into frames of the laboratory itself. Inside, the design unfolds with two distinct spatial scenarios: the pharmacy/store and the laboratory. The intersection of these two scenarios is a large service counter where pharmacists and customers meet. The store area uses a system of repeating industrial-style shelves that function as a spatial grid. These shelves are a signature element of the brand, meticulously crafted to frame but not overshadow the products and other displayed objects. Beyond the main pharmacy, the functions extend to the basement with private labs and to the first floor with a lounge area that serves as a meeting place for the visitors, occasionally hosting workshops and seminars. The double-height allows visual connections between the ground floor and the upper floor, while it enables a box-in-box design of spaces with different heights, that provoke different feelings. The large storefront windows allow natural light to freely diffuse during the day, while the store’s lighting is carefully designed to give a sense of mysticism. Finally, the economy of materials contributes to an overall sense of design simplicity aimed at creating a clear canvas to highlight the products and practices rather than dominate the space.

Trail practice aimed to create a sense of familiarity by reviving memories of traditional pharmacies through custom-made furniture and decorative objects. Inspired by the plaster decorations on the ceiling of neoclassical buildings, embossed elements depicting Naxian history were designed and installed. Additionally, custom white square tiles with plant motifs adorned wall and furniture surfaces, while specially designed amber-hued glass jars completed the atmosphere. The emphasis on detail and quality imparts a handmade feel and a sculptural approach to the project, enhancing its distinctive and recognizable identity.