Principle

Our concept for the Neil Barrett fl agship store in Tokyo is based on the minimal cut of the brand`s fashion design and parallels its approach in using the same design parameters of fi xed points, folding, pleating and cut outs. Rather than defi ning a single room or space, our design creates a circular passage allowing the customer to experience the space in multiple ways and interpretations. Furniture staged in key points throughout the store creates the spatial concept of a narrow enclosure changing to an open condition. In two formal elements the design shifts between architecture and sculpture, where a compact mass of surface layers unravel and fold to form the shelving display and seating. The emerging folds will be used as display area for the NB accessory collection.

Formal language and materiality

The concept of the store plays with the complementary characteristics and the related dualism between male and female. This is echoed in the furniture design on both fl oors through the formal language and tactile quality of the materials used. The furniture piece on the ground fl oor is designed as a strong, masculine and dynamic form whilst the piece on the first floor enunciates femininity through more fl uid contour lines. The first floor is designed in a more playful manner creating different zones that maintain the perspective view between them. This interplay between male and female is followed through in the general aesthetic concept , setting the furniture piece with a white smooth Corian finish against the raw fair faced concrete surface of the rest of the space. This is further accentuated through the contrast in colour and fi nish of the white matt furniture against a black glossy floor.