commissioned to design the interior of a retail store one year after the devastating tohoko earthquake, japanese studio schemata architects sought to
re-think the relationship between commercial architecture and the
consumer in the 'takeo kikuchi' clothing brand retailer in shibuya. to
open up a new communication between the exterior and interior,
operable wood-frame windows were installed into the otherwise solid
curtain wall facade.
being a long and narrow footprint of 7 meters
deep by 25 meters long, three thresholds create visual layers that
allure individuals into the store and then provide a sense of
sequence through the shop, adding more depth to a transparent space.
benches and gardens were inserted throughout the project along with
other 'human-friendly' fixtures that foster interpersonal communication
and make the act of browsing and shopping an enjoyable experience that
the internet can't offer. the original door is now accompanied by three
more entrances, allowing a freer circulation, with more seating placed
in the middle of the rooms so that visitors may always have a place to sit and dialogue.
interior partitions are made form portable wood and steel walls, with
variable amounts of each depending on their exact purpose and what they
will display. other fixtures such as the shelves and chairs are
made from the synthesis of restored pieces of furniture and new
elements. the designer's workshop has also been integrated into the
store, right next to the dress wear section on the second floor so that
mr. kikuchi himself can get a fresh response from the user as they peruse through the clothes.
from designboom