We were commissioned to design the premises of a newly opened hair salon within a multi-tenant building located in Kyobashi, an old downtown area of Osaka. During our visit, we found the site to be a pleasant, well-lit space with many windows. The owner's requirements were for "a styling space that brings sunlight into the interior while also hidi...

We were commissioned to design the premises of a newly opened hair salon within a multi-tenant building located in Kyobashi, an old downtown area of Osaka. During our visit, we found the site to be a pleasant, well-lit space with many windows. The owner's requirements were for "a styling space that brings sunlight into the interior while also hiding the exterior landscape from view."
In response to these requests, we decided to insert a box made of iron plates and aluminum into the existing framework of the building so that it would nestle within it. Three types of round holes in different sizes were made in the panels so that lines of sight from the entrance and views of the exterior landscape were gently obscured while also ensuring that sunlight filled the space. These holes can also be used to install lighting fixtures or plug in hair dryers, giving them additional functions. Areas devoted to uses other than hairstyling (such as the shampooing, rinsing, and waiting area) were painted black in order to create a contrast with the light, and to downplay their presence within the entire scheme of the space.

As the sun sets, the interior of the hair salon suddenly begins to radiate light through the holes in the panels, just like a sort of lampshade, while also serving as a kind of signage for the salon. By limiting the number of windows on the holed surface of this nest-like box, we were able to create a calm, tranquil space that accentuates the feeling of illumination and the passage of time.