curved stainless steel defines arquitectura-G's acne studios store in nagoya, japan

barcelona-based studio, arquitectura-G, has completed the design of a new retail space in nagoya for luxury fashion brand acne studios. the project, which covers a total floor area of 2960 ft2 (275 m2), has been developed around the notion of contrasts. playing with high-tech and low-tech, roughness and delicateness, chaos and order, the final interior welcomes clients into a fine balance of opposing elements. 

all images © josé hevia

the store stretches over one elongated floor level, which the architects describe as ‘a kind of cave.’ a glazed façade lines one side, allowing passersby to catch a glimpse of the silvery interior. once inside, the store is delineated by stainless steel partitions, which curve around the space to subtly guide customers as they browse. these smooth mirror-like panels and their shelves are precision-cut to be as thin and delicate as paper, in contrast to the course texture of the surrounding structural columns. 

in contrast to the stainless steel, the floor is fully covered in plush carpet, which has been custom-made to appear rough but feel soft to the touch. this textured surface extends onto two podiums that function as seating and display areas. the ceiling provides a stark contradiction to the smooth flooring, as it is instead a chaotic assortment of exposed lighting cables and ventilation ducts. on this surface benoit lalloz has designed the lighting fixtures to perfectly complement arquitectura-g‘s interior. 

floor plan of the store

project info:

project name: acne studios shop

location: nagoya, japan

architect: arquitectura-g

lighting design: benoit lalloz

promoter: acne studios

surface: 2960 ft2 (275 m2)

designed: 2019

completed: 2019

photography: josé hevia