21/04/2017

Gerard Arias and Mario Blanco, alumni from the ESARQ – School of Architecture at UIC Barcelona, named winners at FADA 2017

The ARID Arquitectes studio, founded by Gerard Arias and Mario Blanco, alumni from the ESARQ – School of Architecture at UIC Barcelona, took home first place at the first edition of FADA 2017 (Festival of Architecture, Design and Window Dressing of Andorra) for best display window. The award ceremony took place on Thursday 6 April in Andorra's Comú de Escaldes-Engordany.

Their idea, "How long is forever", for the Stay store earned them €1,500 and the chance for the owner of the establishment to do a "retail tour" in London.

"This was completely unexpected as the quality of the other proposals was very high, but we managed to create a magical world through a product that represents the store", explained architect Mario Blanco, expressing his surprise about winning and the objective of the project.

FADA is a joint initiative of the Association of Traders of Avenida Carlemany in Comú de Escaldes-Engordany (Andorra) and professionals from the country's architecture, graphic design and interior design sectors. The aim of the festival is to create synergies between architects, designers and traders and give added value to the shopping experience in Andorra's Vivanda district.