architrip’s retail space curves between two existing shops in fukushima

Architrip Lab: A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function in Fukushima

Nestled between two distinct architectural styles in Fukushima City, Japan, Architrip’s LAB shop stands as a testament to thoughtful design and spatial harmony. This new commercial space, spanning 89 square meters, highlights the firm’s commitment to creating seamless connections between built environments and fostering a sense of continuity within its surroundings.

The architectural challenge lay in harmonizing LAB with the adjacent structures, one featuring an organic plan and unique form, the other a simple structure clad in black siding. Architrip responded by curating a design that not only complements the existing buildings but also establishes a clear visual dialogue between them. The new shop’s form emerges as a subtle dance between the existing architectural languages, interpreting their individual characteristics and weaving them into a cohesive whole.

To optimize the available space, LAB incorporates a retail area on the ground floor and an office on the second. This vertical division further enhances the visual connection between the building and its neighbors, creating a sense of flow and openness. The ground-floor retail space features exposed waffle-shaped wooden beams that soar to a height of 3.5 meters,lending a sense of grandeur and amplifying the effect of natural light filtering through high-side windows. This carefully crafted interplay of light,form,and materials creates a refined and inviting atmosphere.

“the curved exterior wall introduces fluidity,” notes Architrip, “clad in 300 mm wide vertical siding. this element adds depth and variation to the space, serving as a defining architectural feature.”

The second floor office includes a private balcony strategically positioned to provide a panoramic view of the entire site, further reinforcing the strong connection between the three structures. This design gesture emphasizes the site’s unified character and underscores the interconnectedness of the built habitat.

Key Takeaways from Architrip LAB:

• Contextual Design: Emphasizes understanding and responding to the architectural context, creating a harmonious blend with existing structures.
• Spatial Flow: Guides the user’s experience through thoughtful planning and connections between interior and exterior spaces.
• Material Palette: Selects materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and contribute to the overall functionality and ambiance.
• Light and Form: utilizes natural light and strategic forms to create a sense of openness, grandeur, and visual depth.

Architrip LAB offers valuable insights for architects and designers seeking to create spaces that are not only visually striking but also deeply integrated into their surrounding environment. the project demonstrates the power of thoughtful design to enhance the human experience and foster a sense of community within built spaces.

What message or takeaway would you like readers to draw from Architrip Lab’s story?

Architrip Lab: Dialog with Architectural Mastermind, Hideaki Kawakami

Tell us about the inspiration behind Architrip Lab’s design in Fukushima city, Japan.

Hideaki Kawakami (HK): Our primary inspiration was the contextual fabric of Fukushima city itself.We wanted LAB to be more then just a new commercial space; it needed to engage in a dialogue with its neighbors, embracing and complementing their unique identities.

The architectural challenge was harmonizing LAB with its distinct neighbors. How did you respond to that?

HK: We saw this as an possibility to create a design that would gently interpret and weave together the characteristics of the adjacent structures. Our goal was to establish a strong visual conversation between them, establishing LAB as a clear yet harmonious presence.

How did you optimize the limited 89 square meters for both retail and office spaces?

HK: By dividing LAB vertically, we maximized the potential of the space while maintaining a strong connection between the built environments. The ground floor houses our retail space, featuring an interplay of light, form, and materials, while the second floor accommodates our office, complete with a panoramic view of the site.

What role did material selection play in achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality?

HK: Our material palette was carefully curated to balance aesthetics with functionality. The exposed wooden beams on the ground floor, for instance, not only lend grandeur but also showcase the structure’s bones. Meanwhile,the 300 mm-wide vertical siding on the exterior wall adds depth and variation,serving as a defining architectural feature.

You’ve emphasized contextual design, spatial flow, and light and form.How do these elements reinforce each other in LAB?

HK: They’re interdependent, each playing a crucial role in enhancing the human experience within the space. Contextual design allows LAB to fittingly respond to its surroundings, while spatial flow guides users through a thoughtful, interconnected sequence of spaces. Light and form work in tandem to create a sense of openness,amplifying the overall affects of these design elements.

Why is it essential for architects and designers to consider the broader context and human experience in their work?

HK: Grate design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It should respond to its context and enrich the lives of those who interact with it. By understanding and connecting with our surroundings, we can create spaces that are not only visually striking but also deeply integrated into their communities.

What message or takeaway would you like readers to draw from Architrip Lab’s story?

HK: I hope readers appreciate the power of thoughtful design in creating harmonious, functional, and engaging built spaces.Be it through subtle adaptations or bold transformations, architects and designers can positively impact our urban landscape and communal experiences.