52 BY SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE

I first noticed this image on Pinterest a few months ago.  What a beautiful space-  I immediately thought - and at a glance I wasn't too sure if this was someone's very modern home or perhaps a retail space.  After a bit of investigating I found the Architecture Practice:  Suppose Design Office from Tokyo, who is behind the design of this retail space for a fashion house.  I also found a subsequent article on the Dezeen website.

Suppose Design Office was established in 2000 by Makoto Tanijiri, in Tokyo, Japan.  He is currently a Professor at the Anabuki Design College.

Makoto says it is important to keep looking for something new as an architect.  He defined his work as a chance to realize fresh ideas about buildings and relationships of all interactive elements.  With the aspiration to enhance the human environment, Makoto Tanijiri is contributing "new architecture" in seeking its answers to ordinary life....

A zig-zagging metal wall divides the floorspace of the shop separating outerwear from undergarments.  A recessed skylight on one side of the 52 shop in in Shizuoka, Japan, illuminates a gallery of hanging coats, shirts and trousers.

Small trees are planted in the floor below the skylight.

There are no windows on the other side of the wall, where dangling light bulbs are suspended over undergarments, jerseys and accessories.  A staircase in one corner leads to a first-floor mezzanine overlooking the shop floor.

Photography is by Toshiyuki Yano.

The Architects said that in the west there are many galleries that do not use spots lights but rather uses natural light to light up the space. The reasoning for the use of natural lighting is that as most paintings were painted under natural lighting it is only when the painting is viewed under the same light, the true beauty of the painting will show.

I love the trees growing into the space from the ground - life, and a source of life.  The narrow skylight at a slight angle allows for lots of natural sunlight to brighten up the interior and the angled zigzagging arches creates a sense of diversity - allowing an open plan space to function in different ways but still collectively as a whole.

High on my list of favorite and insightful architects - Suppose Design Office is most certainly creating interesting and thoughtful spaces for its inhabitants.