Embracing Nature's Elegance: A Harmonious Retreat in Niseko Inspired by Snow, Moon, and Flowers"

The hotel is located in the picturesque Niseko, Hokkaido, a top-tier ski destination which reflects Japan's natural beauty throughout the year. The unique design concept is inspired by the ancient Chinese poem 'Setsu Getsu Ka' (which symbolizes the beauty of snow, moon, and flowers), and it resonates perfectly with Niseko's landscape, where the majestic Mount Yotei is draped in snow under the moonlight, and the seasons unfold in perfect harmony.

The FIELD FOUR DESIGN OFFICE took on the challenge of designing a space that combines Japanese aesthetics with international hospitality. The goal was not just to include traditional Japanese elements in a modern space, but to create an environment that combines cultural authenticity with a welcoming, contemporary experience. Instead of imposing a strictly traditional atmosphere on international guests, the design reflects a nuanced understanding of Japanese spatial philosophy in a modern and accessible manner.

The design takes inspiration from the nearby landscape, especially the tranquil Mount Yotei, to capture the essence of the location. This design strategy goes beyond creating a luxurious hotel and aims to provide a deep connection to nature, offering guests an immersive experience. The architecture harmonizes with the surroundings, reflecting the snowy winters, moonlit nights, and vibrant spring scenery that define the region.

In the guest suites, design elements invite the outside in. Beneath expansive windows, a continuous daybed bench stretches from one side of the room to another, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese dwellings' rim and attic structures. Above, a dropped ceiling, reminiscent of eaves, creates a sense of shelter and openness. Integrating the windowsill as an intermediary space between the interior and exterior allows guests to feel fully immersed in the surrounding landscape.

The spatial arrangement in Japanese design focuses on a lower eye level, creating a grounded experience similar to sitting on tatami mats. Lighting and focal elements are positioned at this level, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The design's low center of gravity and horizontal lines further emphasize a tranquil experience, encouraging guests to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese landscape from a calm and reflective perspective.

The hotel embodies the essence of Japan's "Setsu Getsu Ka" – the snow, moon, and flowers. It creates a space that harmonizes with the natural world and the timeless beauty of the seasons. The interior materials are minimalistic, with cohesive tones, subtle contrasts, and soft indirect lighting. This approach enhances the stunning seasonal vistas of Niseko, creating a calm and contemplative environment that reflects the serene beauty of Japan's natural landscapes. Each design element is carefully chosen to strengthen the connection between the guest and the ever-changing scenery outside, providing a tranquil and immersive retreat.

More than just a place to stay, the hotel embodies the essence of Japan's 'Setsu Getsu Ka'—the snow, moon, and flowers—creating a space that harmonizes with the natural world and the timeless beauty of the seasons. Our hotel offers a range of amenities and services, including a spa, fine dining restaurants, and personalized concierge services, to ensure that your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

For more information, please visit: https://www.field4.co.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Hotel & Resorts Division

Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses Flagship Store: A Seamless Fusion of Heritage and Modernity

For over 300 years, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses has been a beacon of exceptional optical craftsmanship in China. With a deep-rooted tradition, the brand has not just survived, but thrived, adapting to changing consumer preferences over the centuries. Now, as Generation Z shapes the market with a preference for experiential, offline shopping, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses is not just embracing the future, but shaping it. The brand's newly redesigned flagship store on Nanjing Road, a masterpiece by the renowned Dayuan Design, is a testament to this resilience, blending Liangcai Wu's cultural heritage with a fresh, youthful aesthetic.

The store's concept centers around transformation, both in terms of materials and brand. Dayuan Design is inspired by the founding family's jade business, precisely the intricate craftsmanship in turning raw stone into beautiful, polished jade. This refinement process is reflected in the store's layout, where visitors can experience the craft firsthand as they move through the space.

An Immersive Retail Journey Rooted in Craftsmanship

Dayuan Design's store design is based on the concept of "craftsmanship," meticulously creating spaces that evoke the artistry behind jade carving. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a quarry-like environment with towering stone mountains and deep, cavernous spaces reflecting nature's creation's raw beauty. This design choice represents the early stages of jade crafting—rough, unpolished stone slowly revealing its inner beauty through skilled artisans' hands. The textured, uneven surfaces of the walls echo the passage of time, suggesting the sedimentation of history and the indelible marks left by master craftsmen over generations.

The design carries this story forward by contrasting rugged and refined elements. Dayuan Design excels in blending the natural and the architectural, combining the wild with the elegant. Despite its small size, the retail area achieves this balance by mixing modern, clean lines with raw textures, creating a serene yet dynamic atmosphere. The designers effectively communicate a sense of continuity, where history is preserved and made relevant through contemporary reinterpretation.

The Time Corridor: A Bridge Between Past and Present

As visitors walk through the first floor, they will come across a fascinating display of jade grinding tools, paying tribute to the centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship. Accompanied by the gentle sound of stone grinding, this installation is a symbolic entrance to the second floor, appropriately named the 'Time Corridor.' The 'Time Corridor' is a carefully designed space that takes visitors on a journey through Liangcai Wu's history, with areas designed to evoke the gradual refinement of jade. The second floor's design introduces polished, time-worn jade surfaces that seamlessly blend with modern materials, creating a space that connects Liangcai Wu's rich history with the forward-looking ambitions of today.

The Time Corridor leads to a sleek, simple space where traditional jade craftsmanship transforms into a modern representation of the brand's history. Dayuan Design intelligently uses materials like stone, metal, and jade to symbolize Liangcai Wu's journey through time and encourage visitors to interact with the brand's heritage in a tangible way.

Cultural Storytelling Through Design

The flagship store features the 'Mountain Quarry' art installation, a symbolic representation of the enduring history of Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses. Designed by Dayuan Design, the installation showcases a mechanical, metallic aesthetic that gives it a futuristic look. This bold visual statement connects the brand's past to its future, emphasizing that Liangcai Wu is rooted in tradition and evolving to meet modern sensibilities.

The retail space draws inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine cabinets, blending heritage with contemporary design. The result is a display system that is both stylish and practical, reflecting the precision of the eyewear while paying tribute to centuries-old display techniques.

"Dayuan Design's vision goes beyond a typical retail space. The flagship store is a versatile area that blurs the line between business and culture. The store showcases eyewear and features exhibition spaces, a coffee shop, and an exclusive VIP fitting room. These thoughtful additions turn the store into a cultural center where customers can do more than just shop; they are encouraged to socialize, linger, and delve into the brand's history. This multifaceted approach enhances the customer experience, fostering stronger connections with visitors and building brand loyalty."

Sustainable Design for a Dynamic Future

Sustainability is at the core of Dayuan Design's approach. They use modular, movable installations to ensure that the space can adapt over time, reducing the need for extensive renovations and allowing for a flexible response to changing functional needs over the next three to five years. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the economic viability of the project. It provides a forward-thinking model for retail design that aligns with contemporary concerns about sustainability.

In their flagship store on Nanjing Road, Dayuan Design has created an immersive, multifunctional space that pays homage to Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses' rich heritage while preparing it for the future. By skillfully blending modern and traditional elements, the design narrates the story of craftsmanship in a way that resonates with today's consumers while maintaining the brand's timeless essence. Through this seamless fusion of old and new, Liangcai Wu Eyeglasses is entering a new chapter that promises to uphold its legacy with grace and innovation.

For more information, please visit: www.dayuan.net

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

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Katajanokan Laituri, new wooden landmark building in Helsinki, houses a hotel aiming to be the most sustainable one in Finland

Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 Exterior | Photographer: Kalle Kouhia/ Anttinen Oiva arkkitehdit Oy

Increasing wood construction is one way to build a more sustainable future and achieve Helsinki's target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, Katajanokan Laituri is an impressive new solid wood building on Helsinki's shoreline that complements the city's signature skyline right next to the Market Square. The building houses the head office of Finnish forest industry company Stora Enso and the new design hotel Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, which aims to be the most sustainable hotel in Finland. With the upcoming Museum of Architecture and Design, the area is developing into an exciting new hub of art and design beside the sea.

Developing the city's building stock plays a key role in achieving the sustainability goals. It is important for Helsinki to create a lively urban environment and to make the city's 131-kilometre shoreline even more accessible to locals and visitors. "The aim of transforming the Katajanokka shoreline area is to create a lively urban space. With this project, we will be able to open the shoreline to the people of Helsinki. A building made of wood, that is durable and has as low a carbon footprint as possible meets the city’s goals,” says Deputy Mayor Anni Sinnemäki. 

Helsinki’s new Architecture and Design Museum will further increase the appeal of the area. The first phase of the design competition closed on 29 August 2024.

Katajanokan Laituri lobby | Photographer: Kalle Kouhia/ Anttinen Oiva arkkitehdit Oy

A new architectural landmark in Helsinki’s historical centre

Katajanokan Laituri is a modern Finnish wooden building whose timeless architecture is the work of the award-winning Anttinen Oiva Architects. The building is owned by Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company and it houses the head office of the forest industry company Stora Enso, which also supplied the solid wood load-bearing elements of the building. The four-storey building is made from Finnish and Swedish timber and combines pioneering architectural methods with traditional and sustainable materials.

Wooden structures have been left visible in the interior as much as possible, and nature is also strongly present: in addition to solar panels, the building features a multi-species green roof, and a small birch tree forest is growing in hotel’s atrium. The building functions as a carbon storage and is made to last for the next 100 years. Flood protection also makes the building future proof, as it can withstand a water level rise of more than 3 metres.

Stora Enso’s former head office designed by legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto is located right next to the new building. The district is otherwise known for its Art Nouveau architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. A short walk away is Helsinki's historic centre designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.

Finland's most environmentally sustainable hotel

The new Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 aims to be the most sustainable hotel in Finland in terms of everything from the building itself to the hotel’s functions and services. A LEED Platinum environmental certificate will be applied for the whole building aiming for carbon neutrality and using energy solely from renewable sources. The hotel will also apply for Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland certificates.

The hotel has 164 rooms, 43 of which afford unobstructed views to the sea. The hotel also has conference facilities, a seaside café and a rooftop terrace with views over the Market Square and South Harbour.​ The hotel restaurant Harbore is led by Sauli Kemppainen, a Finnish chef with passion for simplicity and pure taste. He has previously been awarded a Michelin star. Each dish at Harbore consists of only two main ingredients prepared in various ways, such as reindeer and onion, with Finnish and Nordic produce accounting for up to 85 percent of all ingredients used.​

Transitional Architecture: How Jindesign Co., Ltd. Reimagines Urban Boundaries with YSK Employment Office

In the realm of urban planning, Jindesign Co., Ltd. stands out with its unique approach to zoning. While zoning is a practical framework for city development, the real architectural challenge often lies in navigating the borders between vastly different zones. Jindesign Co., Ltd. tackles these transitions with sensitivity, crafting structures that bridge the gaps between spaces rather than heightening their disparities. Their design for the YSK Employment Office is a prime example of this philosophy in action. It showcases how architecture can mediate and create a fluid, livable urban experience that responds to its context while serving a higher social purpose.

The YSK Employment Office in an industrial zone serves as more than just a functional employment center. It functions as a refuge and support system for local residents going through job transitions, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. The building is not merely a corporate facility; it symbolizes the community, designed to provide more than just a service—a space for people to rely on during crucial moments in their lives.

The building has a purposeful design that merges functionality with subtle gestures of hospitality. Its defining feature is the 1.7-meter-wide wraparound balcony, which softens the long rectangular volume stretching east to west. This balcony is a transitional zone, blurring the line between the interior office environment and the busy street outside. It enhances the usability of the space by providing a shaded, ventilated exterior for workers and creates an inviting threshold for pedestrians passing by, offering shelter and integrating the building into the life of the street.

The YSK office features a striking architectural design with horizontal wooden louvres that encase the building in an elegant and rhythmic pattern. Inspired by traditional Japanese noren, these louvres serve several purposes: they give the building a unique visual identity, help control the amount of sunlight and heat entering the building, and contribute to energy efficiency. Their design is carefully planned to account for changes in the sun's position throughout the year, allowing them to let in warming sunlight during the winter while shielding the building from the intense summer sun, which helps keep the interior cool and reduces the need for artificial cooling. This sustainable and energy-efficient design is a testament to Jindesign Co., Ltd.'s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The louvres improve energy efficiency and contribute to the building's continuous horizontal facade. This design is a visual guide for people travelling at high speeds on nearby roads or railways. The constant line creates a lasting impression, making the office a recognizable landmark and providing subtle urban wayfinding.

Materiality is a critical factor in anchoring the design in its local context. Jindesign Co., Ltd. has carefully used locally sourced materials to connect the building with its surroundings. The louvres and other structural elements are crafted from local wood, reflecting sustainability and skilled workmanship. The exterior walls are covered in fire-retardant ceramic panels, selected for both practical and aesthetic reasons, as they resonate with the region's traditional architecture. The colour scheme, mainly earthy reddish-browns, is inspired by conventional kawara roof tiles and charred cedar cladding, establishing a cohesive link between the modern office and the area's traditional homes.

Moreover, the architectural style of the building is a graceful blend of ancient techniques and modern sensibilities. The incorporation of Japanese woodworking methods, evident in the precision of the louvres and balcony construction, showcases a reverence for traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, the building's energy-efficient strategies and carefully considering seasonal variations demonstrate a progressive, sustainable approach. This harmonious combination of old and new defines the unique character of the YSK Employment Office—a structure firmly connected to its surroundings while being attuned to the requirements of a modern workforce.

The YSK Employment Office is more than just an architectural solution for an industrial employment center. It reflects Jindesign Co., Ltd.'s commitment to creating functional, beautiful, and environmentally connected spaces. This architecture incorporates quiet yet profound gestures, where the building's form, materials, and design philosophy combine to offer something more significant than the sum of its parts. In doing so, Jindesign Co., Ltd. has created a workplace and a meaningful public space that bridges zoning divides, enhances its urban surroundings, and enriches the lives of those who encounter it.

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

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

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Designer Profile

Toyotaka Aoki

Toyotaka Aoki

Graduated from Kyushu University in 2009, received a master’s degree from Kyushu University in 2011. In 2016, Aoki established his firm, Jindesign Co., Ltd., which is composed of architects, lighting designers and graphic designers. He has worked on a variety of projects in Japan and China, including commercial facilities, housing complexes and medical facilities as well as public structures. Since 2012, the nonprofit organization, the Fukuoka Architecture Foundation, has been a stage of another activity as an architect, which is to introduce and share values of local architecture with a general citizen. 

Feather Dancing: A Dreamlike Fusion of Art, Space, and Emotion

Introducing "Feather Dancing," a unique creation by Destiny Wedding Planner that goes beyond the traditional wedding venue. This innovative design features a 30-meter-wide runway and suspended art installations, transforming the space into a dreamlike experience. The ceiling acts as an infinite canvas, enhancing the grandeur of the venue and sparking curiosity with its unique features. The installation creates a feeling of weightlessness, drawing the eye upward and filling the environment with a magnificent serenity.

The design of 'Feather Dancing' is not just visually striking; it's emotionally evocative. It seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics through interlocking volumes and suspended platforms. These structural elements not only enhance the spatial rhythm but also provide multiple functional layers. The thoughtful use of colours introduces a unique emotional resonance, striking a perfect balance between the formal and the casual. This creates a nuanced atmosphere where warmth and intimacy intertwine, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring experience.

The water ripple motifs in the corridor create a sense of motion and fluidity, giving it a rhythmic and almost musical quality. The overlapping patterns and subtle reflections of light turn the corridor into a poetic passage, adding quiet elegance and minimalist beauty to the space. Angelic wings delicately spread across the ceiling blend seamlessly with light and shadow, infusing the design with vitality that seems to pulse with life. The contrast of textures, soft to the touch yet visually striking, creates an atmospheric environment reminiscent of moonlight gently bathing the surroundings in a serene glow.

The dynamic interaction of form and function further enhances the spatial experience. The venue is more than just a wedding space; it's an environment that adapts to its occupants, regulating the ambiance like a carefully crafted symphony. The seamless blending of nature and artifice invites guests to linger, with soft, warm light falling like delicate brushstrokes across the scene, painting a picture of serenity and intimacy. In this harmonious space, the details of daily life take on new significance, infused with meaning and purpose. This balance between form and function is not just reassuring; it's confidence-inspiring.

The essence of Feather Dancing transcends mere visual appeal; it is deeply rooted in ecological principles and redefines the traditional concept of a wedding space. By addressing the limitations of conventional layouts, the design allows freedom, love, and joy to flow freely. The result is a modern and spiritually rich celebration of life, love, and art, where culture and emotion are intricately intertwined. Here, art stimulates the soul, and human connection energy is honored, creating an atmosphere where time seems to stand still, embracing the present moment. This transformative impact of the design is not just inspiring; it's intriguing.

In this reimagined space, life and design merge as a vibrant expression of shared existence, where love, art, and modernity unite in a sole, breathtaking instance. Feather Dancing is a testament to design's transformative impact – creating a haven where memories are made, emotions are deeply experienced, and the beauty of life is illuminated.

For more information, please visit: https://weibo.com/1216500490/M6Vxyl933

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: “Others”a Division

Futuristic Minimalism Meets Manila: % Arabica's Bold Arrival at Mitsukoshi BGC

Arabica's debut in Manila at Mitsukoshi BGC showcases the brand's global expansion, blending its minimalist Japanese roots with the vibrancy of an evolving city. Designed by NOMURA Co., Ltd., the café integrates the architectural elements of the space with Manila's cultural context and rapid development. Using a long, curved counter that follows the natural curves of the site creates a seamless sense of movement. Stainless steel panels on the walls and floor introduce a futuristic ambiance, resembling a spaceship and inviting patrons into a space that mirrors Manila's vision as a city of the future.

The café's design perfectly captures % Arabica's commitment to simplicity and sophistication, deeply rooted in Kyoto's design traditions. The stainless steel surfaces provide gentle, muted reflections that don't overpower but enhance the clean, minimalist aesthetic. The design embodies % Arabica's dedication to craftsmanship in both coffee and architecture. This idea of transparency is highlighted through the café's open-plan layout, allowing customers to observe the coffee roasting process, a crucial part of % Arabica's pursuit of excellence.

As Manila emerges as one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant urban centers, % Arabica's location in Mitsukoshi BGC is more than just another café—it delves into design possibilities within a city undergoing economic and cultural transformation. Embracing futuristic elements such as a spaceship-like ambiance, reflective surfaces, and fluid design lines, the café recognizes Manila's future as a hub of creativity and development. Simultaneously, these design choices mirror the brand's established global identity, grounded in attention to detail, craftsmanship, and an admiration for the simple beauty of well-curated spaces.

% Arabica is more than just a physical space. It's known for sourcing and roasting some of the finest beans in the world. The café integrates its commitment to quality coffee with the same passion that defines its architectural approach. Visitors to % Arabica Mitsukoshi BGC can expect a refined coffee experience with a selection of freshly roasted single-origin beans. The coffee is served through precise brewing techniques that reflect the careful balance between tradition and innovation.

The café's return to the Philippines signifies a renewed interest in premium coffee. % Arabica's comeback to Manila at Mitsukoshi BGC is well-timed, indicating a resurgence of the brand in the country and the city's growing passion for artisanal coffee culture. Its location at Mitsukoshi, Japan's first luxury mall in the country, solidifies the partnership between Japanese design and Manila's cosmopolitan style. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sets % Arabica apart as a brand that turns everyday experiences into moments of luxury.

The decision to make Mitsukoshi BGC the café's new home perfectly aligns with % Arabica's aesthetic and design ethos. The mall represents the ongoing connection between Japanese culture and the Philippines, providing a unique platform for % Arabica to showcase its design philosophy and artisanal coffee to Manila's discerning clientele. The café's minimalist approach reflects the Japanese "ma" principle, which emphasizes the space between things. This approach aims for a carefully curated balance of elements that allows the essence of the coffee and the environment to shine through rather than viewing simplicity as emptiness.

Ultimately, % Arabica Mitsukoshi BGC is more than just a coffee shop. It is a space where design, culture, and coffee converge, offering a glimpse into the future of Manila while paying homage to the craftsmanship that defines the city and the brand. The interplay between modernity and tradition, stainless steel and natural curves, minimalist architecture, and artisanal coffee forms the heart of this iconic location, making % Arabica not just a café but a cultural landmark in the making.

For more information, please visit: https://www.no-10.jp/

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