CASE-REAL uses stainless steel in aesop store to reflect the contradictions of shinjuku

after transforming a traditional townhouse in japan into a retail space for aesop, CASE-REAL has now been commissioned by the skincare brand to design a new store in tokyo’s shinjuku district. the architects designed the 82.1 square meter (884 square foot) space as a reflection of its context. ‘sihinjuku is always a city with an image of artificial chaos, but also with a nostalgic 80s atmosphere, and a human-like feeling,’ explains the design team.

all images by daisuke shima

responding to the area’s contradictions, CASE-REAL designed aesop shinjuku as a place that functions as an oasis at the heart of the city — cold but warm, new but nostalgic. ‘we chose stainless steel with a mirror finish for the main material,’ continue the architects. ‘chipped plaster walls finished with a rough expression, combined with a glorious artificial volume of stainless steel will be applied to create a shop space that is distinct to shinjuku but also reflects the aesop brand through its design.’

after entering the triangular-shaped store from the street, shoppers are met, on their left, with a wall of display shelves. the register counter is positioned at the rear of the space, next to more shelving. finally, the brand’s famous sinks, found in each of its stores, are found on the third wall where customers can wash their hands and try out sample products. see more aesop stores on designboom here.

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project info:

name: aesop shinjuku
location: tokyo, japan
client: aesop
type of project: interior
use: shop
period: jul 2019 – jan 2020
floor area: 82.1 sqm

design: koichi futatusmata, yuki onita (CASE-REAL)
construction: &s co.,ltd
lighting plan: BRANCH lighting design (tatsuki nakamura)
photography: daisuke shima