Iki, a reseller of fine Japanese goods, wanted to build out retail space in the Galleria shopping mall in Houston, TX. During the bid process, the owner of Iki had talked to multiple architecture firms that all had pitched him on the latest retail trends, including open floor concepts, minimal displays, and extra bright lighting. This type of architecture is the perfect plan if you are trying to open an Apple store (which Galleria Houston has.)
OnWorks founder Jim O’Neill met with the owner, and instead of pitching the same ideas, spent time interviewing the owner about what the store represented. First, Jim wanted to know what story the owner wished the store to tell.
The owner talked for a long about stores in Japan being very different than modern American stores. In Japanese stores, shoppers never felt rushed while browsing and could spend time admiring the finely made hand-crafted products’ beauty, simplicity, and elegance. In addition, stores were often filled with plants and trees, symbolizing the connection with nature. These shops focused on the customer’s overall buying experience.
While he was talking, Jim was taking notes. Beauty, Quality, Design, Natural, and Tranquility were all words the owner repeatedly used to describe what he would like the store to represent. Jim realized the owner wished he could have his customers experience that same buying experience he had participated in within Japan. A beautiful storefront that was quiet, tranquil, and displayed natural handmade products that were well designed and elegant. A store that felt like the customer had stepped through a portal and traveled back to Japan.
The first problem was how to make a storefront at the Galleria Houston feel like a quaint Japanese store?
Jim needed to create a portal that customers could pass through that was a barrier between the noise and bustle of the Galleria and the serenity of a store in Japan. So Jim sketched a wall made of stone and concrete to hold an elegant door made of Japanese Wood. The door would be a threshold to this new experience.
Problem: How do you create a concrete wall that blocks sound, still shows the store’s merchandise, and does not feel like a bunker?
Solution: Install glass above the wall and to the right of the wall letting in natural light and allowing customers to see into the store to preview some of the merchandise.
To emphasize a connection with nature, Jim designed a Japanese Pergola with an elegant fountain at its center inside the store. The fountain would add the soothing sounds of running water.
Shelving and tables would by custom-designed and created from Japanese woods (Cypress, Cedar, & Red Pine.) Japanese Light Boxes were added to bring out the warm colors of the wood.
