Cultural Foundation of Tinos, Tinos, Cyclades

Category
Commercial
Date
June 2025
Designers
Gkyzi Nefeli, Makri Chrysi
Photography
Yiannis Rizomarkos

Babatchas Design Studio has completed the renovation of the gift shop of the Cultural Foundation of Tinos, an emblematic institution of cultural identity in the Cyclades and a key destination for visitors seeking an authentic cultural experience on the island of Tinos.

The design focused on creating a space of understated aesthetics, functional clarity, and deep connection with the materiality and tradition of the island. The composition’s primary materials — marble and wood — were chosen for their authenticity in expressing the local identity and historical context.

The furnishings were kept in earthy tones, allowing the focus to remain on the product itself — on the culture of Tinos. At the heart of the space lies a central marble piece, which the design team identified as the missing element from the entrance: a sculptural volume that acts as a symbolic gesture of welcome, referencing the identity of the island.

The marble volumes were carefully selected through three on-site visits to a local quarry in Tinos, where the team handpicked each piece with respect for its texture, colour, and uniqueness. In harmony with the wooden elements of the custom furniture and structures, the marble anchors a space where tradition meets contemporary design.

The layout of the shop was organized to highlight the products and create a pleasant, intuitive browsing experience. The new architectural identity of the space acts as a continuation of the Foundation’s cultural mission and strengthens the bond between the visitor and the material heritage of Tinos.