Principle use: SHOP
Production: ISHIMARU
Credit: Lighting design: BRANCH lighting design
Building site: Sanjo, Kyoto
Total floor area: 97.4㎡
Design period: 2016.10-2017.02
Construction period: 2017.02-2017.04
Photo: Takumi Ota
Website:http://www.kyoto-musubi.com/
Yamada Sen-I Co., Ltd. is a furoshiki (wrapping cloth) manufacturer based in Kyoto and we performed the interior design for their directly-managed official shop; "Musubi." We were asked to work on the brand's new Kyoto store after having handled their Tokyo store. Deliverables included a space visible from the bustling Sanjo Street that would convey the charm of furoshiki and showcase the rich variety of designs available.
We highlighted the abundance of products by using a display known as a "palette wall", the same display found in the Tokyo store, which extends all the way to the back of the long and narrow 3m x 18m store. By hanging objects wrapped in a variety of ways in larger palettes, we sought to showcase Musubi products in a way that pops out at visitors. The wall facing the palette wall is used to present new or seasonal products, while tables and counters are placed at an angle to break up the line of flow. The space at the back of the store features a wall decked with hooks and shelves and can be used as a gallery with an island showcase as the focal point. Furthermore, the island has flaps that can be raised when conducting seminars, etc.
The simple appearance of the gate-type façade's mortar finish contrasts with the boisterous cityscape and complements the inside of the store. Moreover, the white-based interior, the polished floor finish, the ceiling’s cemented excelsior boards and the white Ishinomaki Laboratory furniture, etc., are designed to bring out the furoshiki designs to the fore.
Our aim was to create a space to promote through seminars the variety of designs and uses of furoshiki to tourists and locals alike.
