Category:

Joint Commercial Space Winner

Design Practice:

Moriyuki Ochiai Architects

Project Title:

Arkhe Beauty Salon

Project Location:

Chiba, Japan

Design Practice Location:

Tokyo, Japan

Moriyuki Ochiai Architects use a recyclable aluminum sheet to express the flow of water and hair, reflecting the airily soft light, like sparkling light on water’s surface, and filling the space with elegant and sensual curves.

The walls are painted in a silver shade that mimics the glimmering reflection of light on the surface of water. The aluminum’s flow changes freely while providing a function and atmosphere suited to each area: a space with a gentle flow and a high ceiling for the haircutting area; a space with a stiff current and changes in height difference for the center aisle area and a space with a low ceiling for the waiting area.

This allows to minutely perceive the changes in light throughout the day, (responds directly to the shades of light used, from bright white during the day to more emotional purple and blue hues by night) according to the viewer’s location and the passage of time, as well as to experience a space with transient and diverse atmospheres. Water is the source of all life, and this space projects an image of clarity as a beauty salon in pursuit of the origin of beauty.