The remodelation of Musubi has transformed the shop into its own showcase. The new design, based on the use of white tones and wood elements, emphasizes the beauty of the furoshiki on display.

Musubi is placed in a quiet area of Harajuku, Tokio, and it is one of the first specialized shops where furoshiki are sold. Torafu Architects have been in charge of carrying out the remodeling, with a simple and organized design.

Description of the project by Torafu Architects

Yamada Sen-I Co., Ltd. is a furoshiki (wrapping cloth) manufacturer based in Kyoto and we performed the renovations for their directly-managed official shop; "Musubi." Since the store is located in a quiet area of Harajuku, Tokyo, deliverables included a space to showcase the furoshiki designs on sale by increasing available store space and improving the visibility of the store's interior.

This showcase wall puts on display their rich selection while offering a clean and categorized presentation like a palette from which nearly the entire design collection can be taken in all at once. While the white-based interior brings out the furoshiki designs to the fore, we sought to counter the coldness of the existing stone flooring by placing warm wooden fixtures throughout the store, thus improving its flow. Moreover, new arrivals and seasonal products are featured on the wall facing the palette type display on cantilever display shelves that run parallel along the narrowing passage and extend all the way outside to the recessed entrance, where they beckon passersby in. Furthermore, furoshiki hanging on display from the ceiling add a third dimension to the store space.

In order to expand the salesroom space at the back of the store, we reduced the existing offices and installed a sit-in counter to create a relaxed setting in which to entertain customers. Incidentally, the stools' custom seat plates feature furoshiki designs that can be found in the store. We also transformed the once underused courtyard into a space to hold events or gatherings on clear days by placing a picnic table made by Ishinomaki Laboratory under a tarp roof.

The decision to use the store itself as a showcase, helped in making the most of its compact interior, while also contributing a touch of color to the street.

Text.- Torafu  Architects.

CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-

Architects.- Torafu Architects.
Contributors.- Ishimaru (production), Takaiyama (grafics).
Building site.- Shibuya, Tokio, Japón.
Area.- 87.91 m².
Dates.- 06-2014/02-2015 (design), 02/03-2015 (construction).
Program.- shop,office.

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Torafu Architects Inc. Founded in 2004 by Koichi Suzuno and Shinya Kamuro, TORAFU ARCHITECTS employs a working approach based on architectural thinking. Works by the duo include a diverse range of products, from architectural design to interior design for shops, exhibition space design, product design, spatial installations and film making. Amongst some of their mains works are 'TEMPLATE IN CLASKA', 'NIKE 1LOVE', 'BOOLEAN', 'HOUSE IN KOHOKU' and 'airvase' . ‘Light Loom (Canon Milano Salone 2011)’ was awarded the Grand Prize of the Elita Design Award. Published in 2011were the 'airvase book' and 'TORAFU ARCHITECTS 2004-2011 Idea + Process' (by BIJUTSU SHUPPAN-SHA CO., LTD.) and in 2012, a picture book titled ‘TORAFU's Small City Planning' (by Heibonsha Limited).

Koichi Suzuno
1973: Born in Kanagawa Prefecture
1996: Graduated from Department of Architecture, Science University of Tokyo
1998: Completed the Master Course of Architecture, Yokohama National University
1998-2001: Worked at Coelacanth K&H
2002-2003: Worked at Kerstin Thompson Architects / Melbourne
2004.2-: Founded TORAFU ARCHITECTS with Shinya Kamuro
2005-2008: Lecturer at Tokyo University of Science
2008-: Lecturer at Showa Women's University
2010-2011: Lecturer at Kyoritsu Women's University
2010-: Lecturer at Musashino Art University
2012-: Lecturer at Tama Art University

Shinya Kamuro
1974: Born in Shimane Prefecture
1997: Graduated from Department of Architecture, School of Science & Technology,Meiji University
1999: Completed the Master Course of Architecture, Meiji University
2000-2003: Worked at Jun Aoki & Associates
2004.2-: Founded TORAFU ARCHITECTS with Koichi Suzuno
2008-: Lecturer at Showa Women's University

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Published on: April 21, 2015
Cite: "New face for Musubi redesigned by Torafu Architechts" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/new-face-musubi-redesigned-torafu-architechts> ISSN 1139-6415
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