During the 1980s, Sottsass challenged conventional aesthetics, introducing vibrant colours, unconventional forms, and a playful amalgamation of materials. In 1986, the American clothing brand Esprit sought to encapsulate this avant-garde spirit in their retail spaces and commissioned Sottsass Associati, the architectural practice Sottsass had founded a year before, to design their flagship store located within Stollwerck Haus, a landmark building in Cologne. The collaboration resulted in an immersive retail environment, and a manifestation of Sottsass's radical design philosophy, which blurred the lines between art and commerce.

Visitors were greeted by a striking black-and-white speckled terrazzo that extended seamlessly from floor to ceiling, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. This monochromatic palette was punctuated by turquoise glass tiles and laminate surfaces adorned with root wood patterns, offering a rich tapestry of textures and hues. Central to the store's design was a monumental staircase, conceived by architect Shuji Hisada, which served as both a functional element and a sculptural centrepiece, guiding patrons through the multi-level space. The interior was further animated by unexpected features such as a fountain and a dedicated telephone station equipped with the Yellow Pages, inviting visitors to engage not only with a new and novel retail experience but also positioned the store as a cultural landmark in the city.

However, as the decades passed, the original splendour of Sottsass' design was obscured by successive renovations and changes in tenancy. The once-vibrant interiors were concealed beneath layers of conventional refurbishments, while the building's unique architectural identity seemed destined to fade into obscurity. This trajectory took a fortuitous turn when Wempe, a purveyor of luxury watches and jewellery acquired the property. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, Wempe entrusted architect Anna Nicolas with the delicate task of peeling back the layers of time to reveal and restore the original design elements.

Nicolas approached this project with the meticulousness of an archaeologist, embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the building's past. Her investigation led her to the archives of the Centro Studi e Archivio della Comunicazione (CSAC) in Parma, where she unearthed the original drawings and plans for the Esprit store. Armed with these invaluable resources, Nicolas commenced the painstaking process of restoration:Iconic terrazzo surfaces, once buried beneath modern flooring, were carefully uncovered and rejuvenated while the grand staircase, a focal point of Hisada's design, was restored to its former glory, resplendent in a pristine white finish accentuating its sculptural form.

In the employee areas, which have been restored to their original functions including offices, restrooms, and a distinctive kitchen, the original wood veneers that Sottsass developed in collaboration with ALPI and Abet Laminati have been revived, while the speckled carpet, emblematic of the era's design sensibilities, has been accurately reproduced based on remnants discovered during the renovation.

Soffiati’s photographs explore the restored interiors with a keen balance of documentary precision and artistic sensibility, capturing the layered dialogue between time and design. In doing so, the exhibition not only highlights the enduring relevance of Sottsass’ visionary work but also invites viewers to reconsider the notion of contemporary archaeology—prompting reflection on how our often overlooked recent history, can be unearthed, reinterpreted, and stunningly preserved within the built environment.