Sembikiya Sohonten Temporary Store

| Nihonbashi's temporary façade anticipates the future

This project was the façade design for the temporary store that was used until the Sembikiya Main Store moved to its new location in the fall of 2005.
Our goal was to create a temporary "face" that would echo the historic streetscape of Nihonbashi while also conveying a sense of the potential of the area in the future.

| The white curved surface creates a striking contrast with the city

To give the structure a sense of presence despite being temporary, soft white curved surfaces are used for the exterior.
The design highlights the contrast with the stately streetscape of Nihonbashi and exudes a hint of the future within tradition.

| A delicate effect created by light-filled joints

Acrylic is sandwiched between the panel joints of the facade, and at night the light entering through the openings passes through the acrylic and appears as soft streaks.
This modest device, which appears differently during the day and at night, creates a temporary yet memorable piece of architecture.