Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
Jin’s Global Standard 1,830-square-foot eyeglass shop is situated within a suburban shopping center in Kobe. The design embodies the residential development of the surrounding area; once-vacant lots are now filling with concrete foundations. The concrete partitions that are formed in the early process of construction were the inspiration in creating a shop that invites the visitor to meander through the compartmentalized space.
Concrete slabs rise from the foundation and subdivide the shop’s interior; the ledges provide space for assorted eyeglass displays. The shop is encased in white emulsion-painted walls that are randomly decorated with over 1,000 pieces of walnut wood slabs thinly sliced into 20 different patterns.
Lauan plywood display shelves line the whimsical walls. Tables and furniture sculpted from plywood are arranged throughout the space to serve as display surfaces and are also for sale.
The playful walls are mimicked in the lighting design with bare bulbs that dangle from the ceiling.