Collection by Diana Budds
A Space-Saving, Flexible Retail Design in Japan
In Tokyo, the Japanese interdisciplinary design firm Nosigner has created a space-saving retail concept for the children's shop Aeru. "The space was made to be like a living room where people could relax, rather than feel like they're in a store," says Nosigner's Mayumi Tokumoto.
When Aeru hosts workshops and events, the shelf rotates flat into the wall to accommodate seating. "The cabinet changes form according to the occasion—it can be used to display products, or it can be used as a desk and bench," states the firm in its description of the concept. "Thus, it allows one to use the shop space freely and flexibly. With this cabinet at its core, this shop reflects the fascination of Japanese craftsmanship."
Nosigner used castor aralia wood for the design and comissioned a carpenter in Yokohama who specialized in large-scale furniture to build the shelf.
The lower shelves are positioned at a height that's accessible for children.
To make shopping more comfortable, Aeru offers a private breastfeeding room.
Customers can peruse the store's catalog from a comfy sofa.
The shelf is eight feet tall, eleven feet long, and each of the eight tiers is about 1.3 feet deep.
The shelf can be used in a variety of combinations, either partially or fully extended depending on the store's needs.
For more space-saving design ideas from Japan, read this story.