torafu architects: papabubble candy shop at JR shinjuku station

torafu architects papabubble candy shop at JR shinjuku station
photo by takumi ota

torafu architects has sweetened up the concourse of the JR shinjuku station in tokyo with a small shop front for papabubble, a spanish company that makes artisanal candies. taking into account the high traffic volume of the transportation hub, the client wanted torafu to develop an interior that stood out amongst the rows of other retail and colorful signs lined up along the perimeter of the train depot.

to set the tight 10 m2 space apart from the rest of the predominantly white environment of the terminal, torafu have envisioned a black expanse. using the narrow area to its advantage, they have applied large logotype along the back wall to create a strong brand image–with merchandise displays mounted along this partition–with smaller vertical versions of the trademark placed on the exterior side partitions. the service counter has also been inlaid with the papabubble insignia, appearing like an extrusion, taking after the idea of a candy revealing the same pattern no matter where it is cut. considering the sense of depth of the store and the specifications put in place, torafu has realized a shop that simultaneously serves billboard for papabubble.

the storefront has been realized in black to contrast the predominantly white environment of the station
photo by takumi ota

small merchandise displays can be found inset the checkout counter and mounted along the back wall
photo by takumi ota

the counter has the papabubble logotype inlaid into it
photo by takumi ota

detail of the counter
photo by takumi ota

papabubble storefront
photo by takumi ota

photo by takumi ota

project info:

principle use: shop
production: ishimaru
building site: shinjyuku tokyo
total floor area: 13.67m2
design period: 2013.05-07
construction period: 2013.07
photos: takumi ota