This flagship store, hosting multiple brands, is located in Hita City, Oita Prefecture. The architect designed a transparent interior aimed at evoking a subtle discomfort in customers, as they become aware of the constant gaze from pedestrians outside on the street.
To create a distinct separation between the sightlines of pedestrians outside and customers inside, the architect positioned the men’s brand on a half-level below ground, while the women’s brand occupies a half-level raised above ground. The store is surrounded by thick concrete beams and columns, forming a buffer zone within the building’s robust concrete exterior.
The architects incorporated repeated concrete lattice structures to guide customers into the store. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by striking horizontal lines and substantial concrete blocks, creating a commanding spatial experience.
Project Information
Project Type: Store
Location: Oita, Japan
Architectural Firm: Tetsuya Shimokawa Architectural Firm
Area: 289 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Ken’ichi Suzuki
Lead Architect: Tetsuya Shimokawa
Project Team: Tetsuya Shimokawa Architects
Structural Design: Atelier742, Kenichiro Takashima
Manufacturer: Sansyu Construction
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