Chiyaba – A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Chiyaba is a brand that embodies the essence of Nepalese tea culture. The name beautifully conveys its mission, as "Chiyba" means "tea" in Nepali, and "Ba" signifies a place or space. This symbolizes the creation of a haven where tea culture can thrive and evolve.

The story behind Chiyaba is just as impressive as the tea it offers. In 2017, the owner and chef of ADI, a renowned restaurant in Nakameguro, Tokyo, embarked on a journey to the Banchar region of eastern Nepal. There, amidst the stunning highlands of the Himalayas, he encountered small-scale tea farmers producing exceptionally high-quality tea. Captivated by their craft, he was inspired to bring this exceptional tea to Japan, leading to the birth of the Chiyaba brand.

In preparation for a major rebranding in December 2023, artless Inc. was responsible for revamping the brand's visual identity. This rebranding initiative went beyond a mere visual update; it encompassed a complete transformation involving a new logo, graphics, signage, and packaging. Each aspect was carefully crafted to respect Chiyaba's longstanding traditions while seamlessly incorporating modern design elements.

Artless Inc.'s design philosophy extended beyond branding to shape the atmosphere of the Chiyaba tea house. Situated discreetly under the Nakameguro train tracks, the tea house exudes a Zen-inspired ambiance with its dark tones and tasteful, rustic interior. The serene environment encompasses a concealed lounge reminiscent of a luxurious boutique hotel lobby, offering a peaceful retreat for guests to unwind and savour a cup of tea.

Artless Inc.'s work on Chiyaba is a testament to its ability to create harmonious spaces where tradition and modernity coexist. Through their design, the simple act of drinking tea is elevated into a cultural experience that bridges East and West, old and new. Chiyaba is not just a brand but a celebration of the timeless tea ritual reimagined for a contemporary audience.

For more information, please visit: https://www.artless.co.jp

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Branding

Greenland Tai-Lake City

Greenland Tai-Lake City is a project created by Suzhou Industrial Park Renhai Interior Design Studio. The mansion is nestled by the calm shores of Taihu Lake, and its design complements the rolling landscape of the Jiangnan hills, which offer a beautiful view of lakes, mountains, and fields. The landscape architecture reflects this natural beauty, with terraces, vegetable gardens, and peaceful ecological waterscapes seamlessly connected to the mansion through well-designed corridors. Inspired by the classical Pavilion of Surging Waves, the design blurs the boundaries between the private courtyard and the broader community landscape, creating a fluid interaction of interior and exterior spaces that engage with the natural and conceptual water systems, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The residence boasts a meticulously crafted spatial layout that seamlessly integrates intimate and expansive areas, enhancing the daily living experience. The design's nuanced transitions establish a guided progression through the space, instilling a sense of continual discovery. Careful calibration of spatial dimensions ensures a comfortable and secure living environment, avoiding overwhelming vastness or confining enclosure. The refined interior, punctuated by various elegant windows, each framing distinctive views of the surrounding landscape, effectively transforms the home into a living gallery of natural vistas. Rooted in a profound understanding of the family's structure and lifestyle, the design revitalizes the interplay between architecture, occupants, and the environment. The outcome is a thoughtfully orchestrated spatial configuration that harmonizes and integrates the relationships between landscape, architecture, and interior design, preserving the unique character of each element within the composition.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design

SCRAPTURE by NOMURA Co., Ltd.: A Visionary Approach to Sustainable Design at DESIGNART TOKYO

At DESIGNART TOKYO, one of Japan's most experience exclusive design and art festivals, NOMURA Co., Ltd. unveiled a groundbreaking project that redefines the intersection of sustainability and design—SCRAPTURE. This innovative project transcends traditional design boundaries by addressing the often overlooked issue of interior waste, transforming discarded materials into evocative and practical new forms that resonate deeply with the human experience.

During the festival, NOMURA's designers gave live presentations on stage that were just as engaging as the installations. Their on-site involvement offered visitors more than just a visual experience; it was a call to action, encouraging attendees to reconsider their relationship with the materials around them and think about the future of sustainable design. These live interactions captivated the audience and sparked a broader conversation on sustainability, attracting interest from potential sponsors and organizations eager to expand the project's impact.

SCRAPTURE is not just a collection of repurposed materials. It is a bold statement on the lifecycle of design and the importance of co-creation in shaping our future. NOMURA Co., Ltd. upcycles interior waste into next-generation materials, challenging the conventional "scrap and build" mentality. Instead, they offer a narrative that deeply resonates with the emotions and memories of its audience, fostering a strong connection and engagement. This project serves as a powerful icon for sustainable design, demonstrating how waste can be reimagined into something both functional and meaningful.

The project began in November 2022 during "Social Good Week" at the Nomura Kogeisha headquarters. The launch exhibition, held at the company's office entrance, attracted support from 10 organizations through dynamic live presentations and direct engagement with potential sponsors. This initial momentum has carried SCRAPTURE forward, transforming it into a permanent fixture in the Nomura Kogeisha office as a waiting area installation, where it continues to inspire and recruit new supporters.

In 2023, SCRAPTURE's influence expanded beyond the design community. It was chosen as a filming location for TV dramas and featured in various media, reaching a broader audience. The project also gained significant international recognition with its installation at the 2023 G7 Summit Exhibition Hall, solidifying its role as a leader in sustainable design and making us all proud of its global impact. As SCRIPTURE enters 2024, it is set for an even greater impact, with several significant collaborations underway.

SCRAPTURE is more than just an art installation; it is a movement that connects waste and innovation, urging us to reconsider the potential of the materials we discard. As this project continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of design to inspire change and promote a more sustainable future.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Multimedia Exhibition

For more information, please visit: https://www.nomurakougei.co.jp/

Unveiling the De Bethune Lounge and 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon: A Fusion of Elegance and Innovation

The De Bethune Lounge and the 1916 Company Watch Collectors Salon were designed by Clifton Leung Design Workshop. These luxurious spaces, located in the heart of Central Hong Kong, serve as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. The grand establishment was officially inaugurated in December, ushering in the New Year with opulence and sophistication.

Upon arrival, guests are immersed in a modern and mystical Art Deco design world from entering the elevator lobby. This captivating experience sets the stage for an extraordinary stay within thoughtfully-curated spaces, where every element, from the furniture to the lighting, has been carefully selected to create a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance.

The showroom has a striking stone bar in the center, adorned with elegant gold details that enhance the ambiance and add refinement. A unique antique mirror is a stunning backdrop for a thoughtfully selected wine collection, creating a visually captivating focal point within the showroom.

The lounge area has designer loungers and coffee tables, creating flexible settings for various gatherings and events, from intimate business meetings to elegant cocktail parties. Two custom-designed desks with an attractive center display feature the finest selections from the watch collection, adding to the area's sophisticated charm.

"The open ceiling is adorned with captivating round feature lights that emit a beautiful glow over the designer furniture. Strategically placed spotlights with a high colour rendering index (CRI) ensure that the true colours of the watches are accurately displayed. This is a crucial element for a watch trading showroom."

A centrepiece feature cabinet in the Salon seating area showcases carefully selected timepieces, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry of De Bethune.

Two exclusive De Bethune rooms, accessible through pairs of elegant black mullioned sliding doors, echo the design of the De Bethune DB25 watch. The walls are adorned with captivating starry sky wallpaper and hand-painted showers of stars, mirroring the celestial beauty of the watch. Complemented by a posh black carpet, midnight blue draperies, and stage-like spotlighting, these rooms create a mysterious atmosphere perfect for personalized service from watch specialists, making you feel truly privileged and special.

An ingeniously concealed dynamic watch trading room, integrated behind a sliding partition, seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience within the 1916 Salon's layout.

The De Bethune Lounge and 1916 Salon offer an enchanting environment where luxury, elegance, and exceptional service converge. Patrons are invited to immerse themselves in a sophisticated salon shopping experience, enjoying intimate and educational interactions with watch specialists while perusing a meticulously curated collection, each item carefully selected for its quality and value. Step into a world where every detail is crafted to captivate and delight.

This project has been shortlisted for the Sky Design Awards 2024 in the Architecture division.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/

A New Landmark: Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates Redefines Community Space

In a visionary project by Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates, a new landmark has been meticulously crafted to redefine the urban landscape. This ambitious endeavour, which harnessed innovative design and construction methods, utilized two sites on opposite sides of a road to create a seamless, integrated space. The complex includes a florist, a plant shop, and a café, transcending traditional site boundaries and treating the road as an intrinsic part of the unified landscape.

"The design includes a U-shaped glass façade that allows visitors to easily move between the garden and interior spaces. This see-through design makes the building accessible from any direction, creating a welcoming environment. To better connect the indoors and outdoors, the eaves extend 2.7 meters above the ground, creating a friendly intermediate area. This area is designed for relaxation and community engagement."

A significant challenge we faced was maximizing the spatial volume without partition walls. We were able to address this issue ingeniously by using the innovative 'stacked beam' method. This method involved local craftsmen combining three smaller beams on-site to create a longer beam, instead of using a single, expensive, large beam. This not only helped us work within material constraints but also highlighted the significance of local craftsmanship and the use of regionally sourced lumber.

The project is intensely focused on community involvement. The client's goal of creating a significant space was achieved with the help of local artisans, instilling a sense of pride and connection to the project. The materials and textures used in the building, such as natural stone roof tiles and custom-mixed interior plaster, were carefully chosen and crafted by local experts. A single craftsman spent over six months laying 20,000 pieces of natural stone on the roof, while rough stones collected over two years were thoughtfully integrated into the interior design.

One significant moment in the project's timeline was the use of an old piece of wood for the entrance door. This door, which was salvaged from a local building slated for demolition, required a new construction method. However, the local craftsmen rose to the challenge. They designed and installed the door on the spot, aligning with the design intent and the client's vision, and contributing to the project's sustainability and resourcefulness.

Over five years, the collaboration between the client and local craftsmen led to the creation of a new landmark in the town. This project showcases the strength of local craftsmanship and community teamwork, resulting in a functional complex that symbolizes collective effort and creativity. The project's timeline, from its inception to its completion, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved.

This project has been shortlisted for the Sky Design Awards 2024 in the Architecture division.

For more information, please visit: http://tatsuyakawamoto.com/

A Journey-Enhancing Destination - HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO HANEDA designed by NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD

At Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Haneda is more than just a place to stay. The strategic location on the historic runway site of Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) offers a unique vantage point as Japan's world-renowned gateway. This prime location transforms the hotel from a mere transit hub into a captivating destination, immersing guests in the airport's vibrant activities. The mission is to provide a place to stay and enhance your experience, inviting you to see the hotel as more than just a place to stay before or after a flight.

The floor plan is not just a layout; it's a captivating concept. Inspired by the idea of a 'perch,' it offers guests a unique space to pause their travels and enjoy a dynamic airport view. The restaurant and bar provide versatile seating arrangements for various occasions, while THE ROOF TOP offers a breathtaking 360-degree view day and night. These perch-like spaces are designed to provide a comfortable spot for guests to relax and enjoy their stay, all within a unique and inspiring environment.

The NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD design team's design concept for the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Haneda, is a unique blend of airport and bar elements. It is designed to appeal to both airport users and a wider audience. The design team has incorporated runway-themed corridors and aviation details throughout the hotel to emphasize its unique airport essence. Additionally, the artwork depicts the industrial vibe and history of the surrounding area, one of Japan's foremost factory districts, adding a unique touch to the overall design.

The design concept combines airport and bar elements to appeal to airport users and a wider audience. The design team from NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN LTD has incorporated runway-themed corridors and aviation details throughout the hotel to emphasize its unique airport essence. The artwork depicts the industrial vibe and history of the surrounding area, one of Japan's foremost factory districts.

The hotel features artworks inspired by genuine aircraft parts and route maps, with some pieces reimagined from locally manufactured industrial products. But that's not all. The hotel occasionally hosts aviation-related exhibitions in collaboration with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. This unique partnership allows both parties to showcase the area's appeal and enhance guest experience with exclusive insights into the aviation world.

HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO HANEDA is one of the Sky Design Awards Shortlisted Project*

For more information, please visit: https://nspacedesign.co.jp/

Photo Credit: Kenji MASUNAGA

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Design Team | Designer Profile

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Kenichiro Toi, Chief designer

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Shoji Ishijima, Designer

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Akihiro Sugano, Designer

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Shoko Miyata, FF&E designer