When design practice Sinato created its second fashion store for Duras Diaba, a false ceiling added an ‘attic’ space for display, while the steps to its platforms double as show-off space for shoes

Details

Project: Duras Diaba, Tokyo
Design: Sinato
Client: Duras Diaba
Size: 130 sq m
Completion Time: Three months

Contemplating 130 sq m of empty retail space with a 3.65m-high ceiling, Tokyo-based architect Chikara Ohno knew he wanted something different for the layout of the Duras Diaba fashion boutique.

‘Generally, the space above your head is just a void in most boutiques,’ says the architect. ‘Most of the action for buying and selling is close to the human body.

‘To avoid this, we installed a [false] ceiling made of expanded metal at 2.25m high and installed stepped platforms that allow shoppers to reach the “attic”.’

The two-stepped platforms, each made of seven blocks of mortar stacked one on top of the other, allow shoppers to reach merchandise which is spread out on the mesh surface; the platforms are also used to display bags, shoes and mannequins and even a sofa from which shoppers can admire the unusual view. The steps are also perfect for displaying footwear.

Mirrors placed around the edge of the mesh level visually expand the shop and also reflect the 121 60W light bulbs that have been placed above the false ceiling.

As well as hanging some of the garments form the underside of the mesh ceiling, Ohno designed simple display rails made of the same metal and display tables to match.

This is the second store designed for Duras by Ohno’s practice, Sinato, and the retailer was happy to give the designers some freedom. The brief, according to Ohno, simply asked that ‘the necessary amount of merchandise could be displayed and that the key colours were black and white’. This allowed Ohno and his team to create a minimal, understated interior where the unusual false ceiling becomes the star of the show.

Main Suppliers:

Construction/bespoke furniture:

• ZYCC corporation -www.zycc.co.jp

Lighting:

• FDS Corporation - www.fdstokyo.co.jp

This article was first published in FX Magazine.