Deep within the rugged beauty of Malaga’s Serranía de Ronda in Spain lies LA Almazara, a groundbreaking project designed by Philippe Starck that marries Andalusian tradition with contemporary design. Conceived as a functional sculpture, this concrete architecture project is more than just an oil mill; from its reverence for olive oil as a sacred element of local heritage to its regional craftsmanship and surrealist artistry, it charts new territory in oleotourism: an experiential exploration of olive oil.

The region’s enduring relationship with agriculture, particularly olives, dates back millennia. The olive tree, deeply intertwined with Andalusian identity, has weathered conquests, migrations and evolving culinary trends, standing as a symbol of resilience and prosperity. Today Ronda’s groves are not merely yielding fields but living archives of history, infusing La Almazara with a sense of place that extends beyond its modernist facade design.

The vision behind the project was born from the collaboration between entrepreneur and cultural advocate Pedro Gómez de Baeza and French designer Philippe Starck, driven by their shared admiration for the cultural heritage of olive oil. Starck, renowned for his ability to enhance functionality with poetic expression, has an extensive portfolio spanning furniture, interiors and monumental architecture that often challenges conventional design norms. His creative genius materialises in the museum architecture in the form of a ‘red monolithic cube’ pierced by surreal elements—a massive steel bull’s horn, a cast-concrete eye exuding black smoke and interior spaces steeped in symbolism. As Starck describes, “LA Almazara is neither architecture nor a place of culture. It is an object that fell from space, embodying the sacred respect for olive oil.” 

Design as a sensory experience

Starck’s approach to LA Almazara is minimalist yet profound, combining raw materials and bold forms to create an immersive sensory experience. Known for iconic product designs that redefine their function, he applies the same philosophy to this hospitality venture. The result is a space where every element both grand and minute is designed to provoke curiosity and connection. The concrete structure eschews cladding and embellishments, offering a contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding olive groves. The building’s imposing façade is punctuated by elements that evoke Andalusian surrealism; an eye symbolising vigilance and smoke serving as a metaphorical thread of thought. 

Inside, the industrial designer amplifies the sense of wonder through unexpected visual surprises. A monumental half-olive embedded in a corten steel wall, a labyrinthine metal pipe that seems to defy logic and enigmatic sculptural objects reflect his flair for provoking curiosity. As visitors move through the museum and oil mill, the interplay of light and shadow creates an ethereal atmosphere, culminating in a suspended terrace framed by vast metal chains. This terrace offers panoramic views of Ronda’s rugged terrain, connecting visitors to the region’s natural landscape.

A tribute to Andalusian heritage

Starck’s narrative for the public architecture project extends beyond its spatial identity. By integrating elements such as a working oil mill, a museum, a restaurant and tasting areas, the project invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of olive oil—a cornerstone of Spanish cuisine and culture. From the tactile pleasure of olive oil tastings to the evocative storytelling embedded in the site’s design, every detail reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating Andalusian traditions.

“Water, salt and oil—these elements are sacred,” Starck remarks as stated in the press release, underscoring the fundamental role of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in human civilisation. The project positions Ronda as a “global hub for design and oleotourism,” drawing visitors to experience its rich heritage through a contemporary lens. 

Oleotourism is emerging as a dynamic way to connect visitors with the cultural, environmental and sensory dimensions of olive oil production. At La Almazara, this approach takes centre stage, transforming an agricultural process into a journey through contemporary art. The hospitality architecture project also emphasises the stories, rituals and communities sustaining this age-old craft.

Reflections on a timeless design 

The hospitality design rejects transient trends in favour of a timeless aesthetic. Starck’s use of elemental forms and unembellished materials evokes a sense of permanence, while his playful yet profound details engage the imagination. The interplay between the building’s exterior and its richly textured interior spaces mirrors the complexity of olive oil itself; at once simple and layered. 

While its function as an oil mill grounds LA Almazara in utility, the Spanish architecture project’s artistic and cultural aspirations elevate it into a world of the extraordinary. As visitors traverse the site, they encounter not just a building but a narrative; a dialogue between nature, tradition and modernity. Starck’s design is not merely a celebration of olive oil but a meditation on its enduring significance.

In a world increasingly characterised by fleeting experiences, LA Almazara stands as a testament to the power of design to create meaning. Starck’s radical yet respectful vision challenges us to reconsider the everyday; to find beauty and sacredness in the most elemental aspects of life. 

Project Details

Name: LA Almazara 
Location: Ronda, Spain 
Typology: Olive oil mill with museum, restaurant, and tasting areas 
Client: Pedro Gómez de Baeza 
Architect: Philippe Starck 
Design Team: Philippe Starck Studio 
Collaborators: N/A 
Area: Information not provided 
Year of Completion: 2024