TOKYO, July 19,
2024 /CNW/ -- WAKO Co., Ltd., based in the Ginza
shopping district of Tokyo's
Chuo Ward, is pleased to announce
the completion of remodeling of the basement floor of its flagship
store, a well-known landmark in the area. Its official reopening is
scheduled for July 20. WAKO is
Japan's premier specialty
department store, noted for its uncompromising pursuit of refined
luxury, and this newly renovated space will exemplify its corporate
theme, "AMAZING WAKO." The space was designed by the New Material
Research Laboratory, an architectural firm founded and led by
artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and
architect Tomoyuki Sakakida.
Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108267/202407123593/_prw_PI1fl_GDwzWVBq.jpg
Concept
The defining concept for this space is the "Theatre of Time," a
space for the expression and exchange of a culture that is rich in
both tradition and innovation. The "Stage" at the center of the
floor features a horizontal mechanism like giant clock hands. This
conveys a sense of constant change, and each change in the position
of the hands transforms the space into something new.
WAKO has always placed great value on the theme of time. This
underscores the brand's devotion to creating new value in visitors'
lives, hopefully leading to a richer, more enjoyable future. WAKO's
concept of time revolves around two themes:
- Japanese aesthetics sensibilities that are drawn from the
constant changing of the seasons and humankind's interaction with
nature.
- Traditions and techniques handed down over hundreds of years,
vast amounts of time spent in creative pursuits, and endless
thoughts about the future.
Basement floor
The basement floor is conceived as a space to showcase designers,
craftspeople, and others active at the forefront of fashion,
jewelry, modern art, and other creative fields. These professionals
echo the aesthetics, culture, and techniques that have defined
Japan since ancient times, while
also introducing new brands that bring innovative approaches to
these fields. The Stage at the center of the floor has two "hands"
like those of a clock, which can be reconfigured into an endless
variety of patterns. A corridor surrounding the Stage serves as a
walking route past the creations on display, each with its own
special story to tell. Together, the "Stage and Corridor" foster
new encounters and deeper interactions both among visitors and with
the works being showcased.
Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108267/202407123593/_prw_PI2fl_HN9pNBN9.jpg
*Design architect: New Material Research Laboratory
Photo: Masatomo Moriyama
"Stage and Corridor" design concept
Harmony and Light, Stage and Corridor
"WAKO's flagship store is a Ginza icon, giving any renovation major
significance. In redesigning the basement floor, we settled on the
theme 'Stage and Corridor.' At the center of the space is a stage
with long and short 'hands' that can be turned like a clock's.
Around the stage runs a corridor enclosed by wooden grilles,
allowing visitors to stroll comfortably around the sales area. This
Neo-Renaissance space glows serenely with harmonious light. This
evokes the Japanese concept of 'wa' or harmony, which we pursued as
a motif throughout the design. The materials used include rare and
specially acquired items from around Japan, ranging from Kirishima and Yanase cedar
to stonework and 'fusuma' (sliding door)-style paper from
Kyoto. The faint aroma of cedar
wood in the air and the traditional Japanese craftsmanship evident
throughout the space are sure to foster a tranquil, harmonious
state of mind."
(New Material Research Laboratory)
For more information, please visit:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202407123593-O3-Msc9x630.pdf
WAKO official website: https://www.wako.co.jp/
Arts & Culture website:
https://www.wako.co.jp/c/artsandculture
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/
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SOURCE WAKO Co., Ltd.