Following the 2012 success of GARDEN HOUSE in Kamakura, THINK GREEN PRODUCES has opened a second food-centered compound shop. The original, based on the theme of "Local and Craft” initially garnered a good deal of positive attention and became highly successful. Located on the 4th floor of NEWoMan complex—which has direct access with JR Shinjuku station—this new GARDEN HOUSE is both open and expansive, occupying approximately 430 square meters and including a delightful garden terrace. The concept of the Shinjuku store is, “Fine Crafts, Seasonally Inspired.” At the grand-opening of the store in Japan’s most diverse location: Shinjuku—where people, cultures and goods from all over the world come together—we charmed our first customers with this uncomplicated, realistic and functional space. We selected only ubiquitous materials and lighting fixtures to achieve a neutrality that would highlight content rather than container. In a sense, the building disappears leaving only people and product. Further, we attempted to create a flat space akin to a gallery that combines two elements as in omnipresent and ordinary. All tables and 120 seats are uniform and sized to exactly match. This simplicity enables flexibility: the tables can be easily moved and grouped to suit customers varied needs, potentially providing an artful randomness. In order to give both movement and regularity to this flat space, we adopted pale colours for the table tops. These colours conjure up the image of a "morning garden.” All this provides a perfect contrast with the hectic and kinetic environment of Shinjuku, where people constantly come and go. And so, this simple, organic space stands out: a haven in a place of constant change.

We were charged with the design of BEAMS JAPAN exterior, first floor, and BEAMS F on the 6th and 7th floors. We aimed for a façade expressing wa—an intrinsically Japanese concept of harmony—incorporating artistic and impactful characteristics. This was achieved in part by employing traditional Japanese motifs such as red banners and lanterns, evocative of Kabukiza theatres, silentious shrines and mountaintop temples. The lanterns, with graphic icons for each prefecture, shine playfully and delightfully, with the lower outer wall featuring a wood and aluminium—traditional and modern—louver that provides a fittingly black background. On the ground floor, we give substance to motifs such as old playhouses and again shrines and temples. On the ceiling, surrounded by a circular light curtain inspired by the ceiling advertisements of playhouses, we arranged Mr. Kazze Miida's artwork. This produces a dynamic impression upon entering the store. The main area accommodates customer services and consists of face-to-face island counters as well as grid-like wall fixtures exhibiting daily items of each prefecture. Our lighting plan illuminates each and every space in the grid, providing focus to the goods on display. Finally, cleverly and delightfully, the island furniture for pop-up events illustrates the shape of Mt. Fuji which is also the store logo.