wonderwall / masamichi katayama: intersect by LEXUS

located in the aoyama district in tokyo, intersect by LEXUS is a unique space developed by masamichi katayama of wonderwall, designed to allow people to experience LEXUS without having to get behind the steering wheel. guests can engage with the car company through events, activities, food and culture, through traditional japanese interior design. based on the theme of ‘connecting the community and people together with cars’, the space showcases and demonstrates what the luxury car brand has to offer in a ‘clubhouse’ type environment that can be used in a variety of ways.

‘at first, I imagined a space that a typical LEXUS owner might design,’ says katayama. ‘ my vision for this space was a salon where LEXUS owners come together, one in which the characteristics of LEXUS can be seen subtly wherever you look.’ the aoyama location is just the first phase of a global rollout.

exterior view from the street
image © designboom

inside the three story building, a café, a garage that can be utilized as a gallery, a lounge, and a clubroom are incorporated into the plan. the various LEXUS elements and technologies are incorporated in the design — from the screen on the façade to the wall made up of car parts. the space achieves a fine balance, embodying the luxury brand without being overly assertive, appealing to the diverse population that visits aoyama.

café and garage from inside ‘intersect’ by LEXUS
image courtesy of wonderwall

the first floor features a cafe by a norwegian ‘fuglen’ coffee bar, serving a premium selection of coffee from around the world. the garage intervention can be used as an exhibition space for car culture and lifestyle events.

the space will allow people to experience LEXUS without having to get behind the steering wheel
image courtesy of wonderwall

guests will be able to engage with the car company through events, activities, food and culture
image © designboom

birgit lohmann, editor in chief of designboom presenting the LEXUS design award on the screens of the exhibition space
image © designboom

during tokyo designers week 2013, the space was transformed into an exhibition space for the first LEXUS design award, an international design competition organized by designboom. stay tuned for more information on the LEXUS design ward 2014 shortlist here.

the scheme is developed within a traditional and distinctive japanese interior design context
image courtesy wonderwall

an ‘at-home’ lounge lounge is integrated into the space: guests can relax and gather while enjoying traditional cuisine by food director daichi tajima. the library contains an array of books on varying subjects, showcasing different cultural influences.

lounge area
image © designboom

bamboo construction detail
image courtesy wonderwall

‘crafted’ for LEXUS shop inside intersect by LEXUS on the 2nd floor
image © designboom

the ‘crafted for LEXUS shop is a collaboration with young artisans who share the company’s craftsmanship philosophy. lifestyle items in the showcase reflect great skill and attention to detail are displayed. goods range from leather bags to household goods and a collection of hand-crafted clothing.

bar + lounge area
image courtesy wonderwall