masamichi katayama: wonderwall archives exhibition part 2

the ‘wonderwall archives’ exhibition provides a look at the important role that scale models play within japanese designer masamichi katayama’s (founder of interior design firm wonderwall) practice, offering an alternative perspective to his already existing structures. this is part 2 of our coverage on the show which provides visitors of a look through the spaces he has designed. you may see part 1 of our coverage here.

A.P.C. daikanyama hommephoto: kozo takayama

A.P.C. daikanyama homme location: daikanyama, tokyo year: 2007 scale: 1:20

for this project, katayama converted what was previously an unused space between two buildings into an entrance in order to draw out the potential of what was already a good site. the space became a garden and an entrance to welcome customers. the little green space strengthens the relationship between the two buildings, and the introduction of this connection facilitates the circulation of customers inside the store. the glass and steel frame that katayama developed to physically bring the two buildings not only creates a sense of unity, but it also packages the history of the brand.

A.P.C. daikanyama homme photo: kozo takayama

A.P.C. daikanyama hommeimage © designboom

bapexclusive™ nowhere (busy work shop® harajuku) image © designboom

bapexclusive™nowhere (busy work shop® harajuku) location: harajuku, tokyo year: 1998 scale: 1:20

this is the first project katayama worked on for *a bathing ape®(bape®). the boutique was designed as if it were an amusement attraction with indirect lighting that makes the interior feel as if it is floating, shelves that have organically stretched out from the walland a deli showcase-like display. although the space turned out to be the origin of a phenomenal movement heading toward the 21st century, katayama claims that the design was in no way a result of following the trend of the era. for example, the space was constituted by selecting details and materials from larger ideas such as amusement parks and delicatessen. there are no rules that govern the space despite recognizable keywords such as whiteness, steel and brightness. what was important was how to express the bape® brand and how to present valuable merchandise. since then, katayama has created over 60 spaces with nigo® the producer.

bapexclusive™ nowhere image © designboom

bapexclusive™ nowhere photo: kozo takayama

pierre hermé paris aoyama patisserie and chocolate bar image © designboom

pierre hermé paris location: aoyama, tokyo year: 2005

this is the patisserie and chocolate bar operated by world-famous confectioner pierre hermé.colorful merchandise contained within two-dozen fine tables are the first things that invite visitors’ eyes as they enter the boutique on the first floor. the concept for the boutique is that of a ‘luxury convenience store’. a bar on the upper floor shows a striking contrast with its chic and massive appearance. it does not have the soft, feminine atmosphere normally associated with sweets, rather the space is handsome and majestic, like the smoking room of an exclusive men’s club. hermé claims that he found katayama’s attitude toward design very similar to his own attitude towards pastry. he also recalls, ‘to understand each other, we had no need to speak the same language. we had a mutual understanding, and masamichi katayama marvelously translated my desires.’

pierre hermé paris patisserie and chocolate bar image © designboom

pierre hermé paris aoyama patisserie and chocolate bar photo: kozo takayama

‘pass the baton’ image © designboom

pass the baton marunouchi location: marunouchi, tokyo year: 2009 scale: 1:20

this shop promotes a new idea of recycling with its concept to ‘pass on things that you truly love’, which is why the client named the store ‘pass the baton’. the interior design is a direct reflection of this idea. the space is composed of stacking antique furniture pieces of various styles, ages and origins, discovered in different places, polished to bring out their beauty. overall balance is completed by additional elements such as lighting to the otherwise seemingly chaotic space. here, ‘form’ is created by ‘action’. it is not as simple as the phrase may appear.

‘pass the baton’, front entry image © designboom

pass the baton photo: kozo takayama

interior of ‘pass the baton’ photo: kozo takayama

100% chocolatecafe. image © designboom

100% chocolatecafe. location: kyobashi, tokyo year: 2004 scale: 1:20

the 100% chocolate cafe is a small 69 square meter café that opened on the first floor of the meiji seika headquarters, a major japanese confectionery corporation. the little space had a big mission to be the new face of the enterprise. the ceiling of the chocolate-bar is made up of real chocolate bars wrapped in a kaleidoscope of colors, and 56 types of chocolate all add to the sweet ambiance of the veritable chocolate kitchen where visitors can enjoy the luxury of tasting chocolates at the chef’s table. here, the skillful incorporation of the actual ingredients of the company’s products as design elements present both the charms and the strengths of the company so much that it catches the eyes of the passers-by. although the headquarters of a large enterprise are rarely seen by ordinary consumers, katayama’s creative approach and keen thinking motivate people to visit the 100% chocolate cafe for the joy of purchasing chocolates and experience the space.

100% chocolate cafe photo: kozo takayama

wonderwall office location: sendagaya, tokyo year: 2009

katayama designed both the architecture and interior for his own new wonderwall office. the three-story high building with an additional two floors below ground was designed to concretize katayama’s standard of his creation. in designing this office, functionality, vertical continuity and a certain sense of aesthetic severity were key elements that were important to katayama. furthermore, it also needed to possess the identity of his firm and be an exhilarating work environment. in addition, the office space had to entertain clients and also allow him and his team to concentrate on design and intricate model making. such varying elements coexist in harmony, seamlessly unifying architecture and interior design to create a perfectly natural space and hence an optimal state. this is where katayama continues to create new designs enjoying the pleasant tension as he goes through the three-story high entrance every day.