Every week we highlight those submissions which have been frequented by our readers and jury, in the lead-up to the reveal of Interiors of the Month winners and honourable mentions. Here are the five most-viewed projects between 19 and 26 May 2023.

LIVING STRATA

Shiseido Creative + Hakuten

Shiseido Creative and Hakuten joined forces to design Living Strata, a window display at Shiseido’s flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo (Window Display, 7.66). A thin layer of strata material was carefully extracted from a natural area using the setsujo-hakuri technique, to maintain its visible geological layers. The strata layer was formed into a 3D volume and rotates at a rate of one full rotation per day. ‘The use of real strata and the incorporation of nature’s terrain in this window design are impressive,’ thinks John Lam, design strategist and co-founder at State of Culture. ‘The rotating display beautifully captures the passage of time.’

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SKY LANTERN HOUSE

Proctor & Shaw

During the adaptive reuse of a 221-sq-m London home, Proctor & Shaw added south-facing glass volumes to help improve natural light and heat loss (House, 7.67). The volume contains space for the main social activity of the home like its kitchen, dining and main living areas. ‘An excellent addition that’s well-integrated into the existing circulation and spatial possibilities of a historic building,’ says Katrina Yin, design manager at JDS Development Group. ‘I appreciate both how seamless and striking the experience is looking from old into new, and vice versa.’

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MAISON SPECIAL NAGOYA

Atma Inc.

For Maison Special’s Nagoya, Japan, location, Atma Inc. sought to incorporate local influences into the store’s design (Single-Brand Store, 5.75). A combination of complementary and contrasting materials, textures and elements reflect Nagoya’s position as an intersection of different cultural influences. ‘The design effectively challenges our perception of ordinary life, utilizing diverse materials, colours and textures,’ notes Lam. ‘The illusion and discomfort created through spatial division and unconventional elements are thought-provoking.’

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COACHTOPIA

Coach

To display its new circular product line Coachtopia, Coach’s Studio XAG-designed pop-up shop at Selfridges in London sought to mirror its circular ethos (Pop-Up Store, 7.08; Material, 7.08). Recycled materials, from leather scraps to repurposed neon flex, were used for displays which will be reused in future retail applications to further extend their lifecycle. The space also serves to educate visitors and give insight into the circularity process. ‘Impressive circular design concept with clear messaging and materials selection,’ says Lam. ‘Great potential for impact and reuse.’

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KUOCA FLAGSHIP STORE

JongKim Design Studio 

Cosmetic brand Kuoca sells fresh skincare products, which are sold within a short span of time after being manufactured. This ‘clean’ approach to skincare is reflected in the design of its flagship store in Seoul, which JongKim Design Studio completed (Single-Brand Store, 6.28). Soft lighting, fresh ceramic tiling and a central product test area made of curving forms and circles convey the brand’s clean beauty ethos. ‘An inviting shopfront with a nice aesthetic and clean interior with an effective product presentation,’ shares Andras Klopfer, managing partner at BWM Retail.

See more here.