Calliope Store: interview with the architect

The Calliope store in Jesi (Ancona), designed by architect Marco Cicognani, received an honourable mention at the Emilgroup Project Awards 2025. Ceramic is the binding element of this project to renovate the facades, bringing together texture, light and architecture to transform the site into a distinctive and modern space.

We met architect Marco Cicognani of Store-lab S.r.l. to learn about his design vision and find out how he translated the store concept into a tangible architectural style.

1. What was your design vision?

My aim with every project is to bring a part of myself to the space I create. My design is responsible, sustainable and informed, capable of communicating a sense of authenticity - inspired by the experiences and travels that enrich my work - which speaks to those who observe or pass through the space.

2. How would you describe the project in three words?

If I had to use three words, I’d say volume, pattern and openness. The aim of the project is to emphasise the volume of the building, giving it a recognisable visual appearance. The “Wonder Lines” of the concept store of the same name are translated into a bright tactile pattern on the facade that grabs the attention and welcomes visitors, creating a sculpted volume that balances form, light and an openness towards the sky.

3. What impressed you most about the Emilgroup products?

Generally speaking, the Emilgroup collections have always embodied my design philosophy. For this new project I was looking for a particular product with a pattern and a surface that could best represent the first facade of the new Calliope concept store. I found what I was looking for in the MaPierre collection: as soon as I saw it I thought it was the perfect product for communicating my design vision.

4. How valuable is this recognition for your work?

This award means a lot to me personally but above all recognises the work of all those who contributed to the project and of my company, Store-lab S.r.l., which has believed in me since the beginning.

Discover the project