We were commissioned to design the premises of a newly opened hair salon within
a multi-tenant building located in Kyobashi, an old downtown area of Osaka.
During our visit, we found the site to be a pleasant, well-lit space with many
windows. The owner's requirements were for "a styling space that brings
sunlight into the interior while also hiding the exterior landscape from
view."
In response to these requests, we decided to insert a box made of iron plates
and aluminum into the existing framework of the building so that it would
nestle within it. Three types of round holes in different sizes were made in
the panels so that lines of sight from the entrance and views of the exterior
landscape were gently obscured while also ensuring that sunlight filled the
space. These holes can also be used to install lighting fixtures or plug in
hair dryers, giving them additional functions. Areas devoted to uses other than
hairstyling (such as the shampooing, rinsing, and waiting area) were painted
black in order to create a contrast with the light, and to downplay their
presence within the entire scheme of the space.
As the sun sets, the
interior of the hair salon suddenly begins to radiate light through the holes
in the panels, just like a sort of lampshade, while also serving as a kind of
signage for the salon. By limiting the number of windows on the holed surface of
this nest-like box, we were able to create a calm, tranquil space that
accentuates the feeling of illumination and the passage of time.
View Original