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.

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.