Project

The Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store is scheduled to undergo a grand reopening in the summer of 2025. Seibu Ikebukuro, known for always being at the forefront of trends, will introduce a new design with a wide range of products in both the women’s and men’s categories under the theme of “INCLUSION,” reflecting the diverse and flexible nature of the modern era.

The store will depart from the traditional department store format, where women’s and men’s floors are separated, to create a free, open, and unified space. This redesign will allow various customers, including friends, couples, and families, to enjoy shopping together seamlessly.

GARDE is responsible for the concept design, including both interior and exterior elements, for this complete renovation project. The entire Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, along with each individual floor, will be designed with the architectural concept of “Maison” (“House” in French), creating spaces that embody three key elements: “class,” “sophistication,” and “art.”

For more information on the reopening, please visit the following link:
https://www.sogo-seibu.co.jp/pdf/20240610_01.pdf

Facility Overview

Name: Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store
Location: 1-28-1 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Scheduled Opening: In stages from January 2025
Sales Floor Area: Approximately 48,000 m²
Number of Stores: Approximately 380 stores planned

Upcoming Schedule

B1, B2, 3F (Basement deli section and cosmetics): Target January 2025
1F, 2F, 4F, 5F, 6F (Fragrances, jewelry, watches, and luxury items): Spring 2025
7F, 8F (Fashion, miscellaneous goods, event space, and art salon): Summer to Autumn 2025

Ogikubo is a lively area with large commercial facilities and eight shopping streets in front of the station, offering a wide variety of items from fashion to gourmet food. Located a four-minute walk from Ogikubo Station, which is directly connected to the city center by four train lines, CREVIA Ogikubo was constructed in March 2024. The development aims to accommodate a variety of lifestyles in this unique location where the bustle of the station front meets the tranquility of a residential area.

GARDE oversaw the concept design, schematic design, design development, FF&E coordination, and art coordination of the common space, focusing on the harmony between the present and the past.

Design Concept: ‘Ogikubo Modern’

Ogikubo is a town nurtured by the accumulation of history and the creation of new culture. The area around Ogikubo Station, now 130 years old, retains an atmosphere that has remained unchanged from the past while incorporating new elements according to trends, the location, and the residents. This coexistence of nostalgia and newness has shaped Ogikubo into what it is today.

Many cultural figures, such as Osamu Dazai and Akiko Yosano, moved to this area, which was once called “Kamakura in the west and Ogikubo in the east” as a vacation spot in the suburbs of Tokyo. Today, it is still known as a high-class residential area with mansions.

These two contrasting aspects—the bustling city and the tranquil mansions—are expressed in the design concept known as “Ogikubo Modern.”

Design Highlight #1: Windbreak Room

The windbreak room features a continuous floor and ceiling finish extending from the building’s approach, creating a sense of unity. Upon passing through the automatic door, wall-mounted artwork imparts a sense of class. The symmetrical design of the mail corner allows for the integration of design elements that would typically be concealed by functionality.

Design Highlight #2: Lounge Space

The common space leading from the entrance is designed as a lounge area where you can spend your time leisurely, whether talking with friends or reading a book by yourself. Stepping into the lounge area, you can enjoy the luxury of spending your time as you wish, away from the hustle and bustle of Ogikubo Station.

Among the common spaces, the towering columns immediately at the entrance are complemented by benches placed along them, blending seamlessly with the design. Additionally, incorporating the L-shaped design used in architectural gate structures creates a seamless transition, embodying both the essence of the city and the tranquility of a mansion.

The wall construction, resembling thinly cut granite arranged in rows, is designed as a unique art piece where massiveness and detail coexist. The asymmetry of the design creates a hotel-like space that is both formal and casual.

Design Highlight #3: Art

To incorporate a contrast between the city and residential elements, we proposed a metal artwork with glossy and flexible lines that complements the stone wall while providing a striking contrast. The L-shaped design motif mentioned above was used to create a series of regular shapes expressed both horizontally and vertically. These large formations symbolize the building’s organic strength and the residents’ leap toward the future.

Ogikubo has long supported people’s daily lives with its elegant townscape and abundant greenery passed down through generations, alongside a bustling shopping district and commercial area that have evolved with the times.

The common space of “CREVIA Ogikubo” reflects the town’s unique characteristics with a retro-modern atmosphere where the present and the past harmonize. We hope that residents will enjoy using this space, which offers a sense of dignity and luxury amidst nostalgia, in ways that suit their lifestyles.

Designer Profile

Anna Nishigori
Design Division, Large-scale Facility Design Department, Designer
After studying interior architecture in the UK and obtaining her MA, Anna Nishigori joined GARDE in 2017. She was involved in the concept planning, schematic design, and construction documentation for the Kyoto Candeo Hotel and a new hotel in Osaka. Utilizing the interior architecture techniques she learned in the UK, she has been involved in various projects both in Japan and overseas, with a focus on hospitality design.

Facility Overview

Name: CREVIA Ogikubo
Location: 2-4-6, Amanuma, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Completion Date: March 2024
Owner: ITOCHU Property Development Co.
CREVIA Ogikubo official website: https://www.itochu-sumai.com/ogikubo/

Previous work by GARDE can be found at the following link:
https://garde-intl.com/top.php?lang=en#

粤海天地 (Yue Hai Tian Di), situated in the bustling Guangzhou CBD: Zhujiang New Town, amidst towering skyscrapers, is an expansive commercial complex comprising eight buildings and OutMall, enveloped by lush greenery. It stands as the newest addition to the Teemall　commercial facility brand, aiming to provide visitors with a haven where they can unwind and indulge in luxurious experiences.

GARDE has taken the lead in various aspects of the project, including interior design, graphic design, concept development, design supervision, and more.

Design Goal: HARMONY

By seamlessly blending the elements of “people” and “nature,” the architectural and interior designs converge to craft a serene forest oasis within the commercial complex—a tranquil space where visitors can unwind and rejuvenate in utmost comfort.

Design Concept: NATURE

The architectural design draws inspiration from the iconic Ayers Rock, renowned for its colossal monolithic structure. Embracing the essence of nature, the design concept revolves around the three elemental forces of “earth, wood, and water.” These elements infuse the rest areas, enveloping customers in a natural ambiance as they partake in shopping and leisure pursuits, providing a serene retreat amidst the bustling commercial environment.

Each of the shapes, rhythms, and diversity of the design elements are composed to express various landscapes and scenes of nature, bringing vitality and diversity to a quiet and sophisticated commercial facility.

Designer’s Message

Through the seamless integration of architectural and interior design elements, we have curated a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing environment that embodies a cohesive facility. Our aim is for visitors to encounter the striking presence of the rock-inspired exterior design, evoking a sense of awe-inspiring volume. Furthermore, with the addition of captivating lighting effects during nighttime, we enhance the spatial presentation, offering visitors an even more immersive and creatively enriched experience.

Designer’s Profile

Yu Ohata
Design Division, Design Department, Chief Designer

With extensive experience in designing and overseeing large-scale commercial projects in China, he has made significant contributions to the field. Having transitioned to the Hong Kong office and the Asia Pacific Division, he has played a pivotal role in diverse projects spanning conceptual design to supervision. Notable endeavors include the renovation of the Grand Shopping Center in Harbin, China, the environmental design of PARKSON Department Store in Malaysia, and food and beverage design initiatives. His expertise and dedication continue to shape innovative and impactful design solutions across various regions.

Facility Information

Project Name: 粤海天地 (Yue Hai Tian Di)
Project owner: Guangdong Yuehai Land Holdings Limited.
Owner Design Management Team：杨冰、李文丹、黄骏豪、梁炜麟
Project Location: No.21 Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Design area (commercial): 30,000㎡

You can also find more information about GARDE’s past projects here.

THE APOLLO, a modern Greek restaurant from Sydney, Australia, created by Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christie, opened in Ginza in 2016. Eight years after its opening, the restaurant continues to be very popular.

GARDE was responsible for the interior design and construction at the time of opening and is currently involved in the maintenance and renovation of the restaurant.

The interior features large glass windows and a skeleton ceiling, creating an open and spacious impression.

The interior, with its attention to detail, including marble countertops, arm lighting, and warm wood furniture, is consistent with the head office in Sydney, creating a chic and cool appearance.

Healthy Greek cuisine is prepared with fresh ingredients, olive oil, vegetables, and seafood. At THE APOLLO, guests can enjoy Greek cuisine with a twist, where tradition is blended with a beautifully modernized menu.

■THE APOLLO
HP: http://theapollo.jp/
Address: 11F, TOKYU PLAZA GINZA, 5-2-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, a global leader in digital reality solutions that integrate sensors, software, and autonomous control technologies, is dedicated to advancing the world towards a sustainable future.

GARDE is honored to oversee the interior design, graphic design, construction management, and furniture selection for the renovation of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’s Tokyo office.

Feature Wall Reflecting the Brand Identity

In the reception area, the first space to greet guests, a feature wall has been crafted to immerse visitors in the corporate brand experience. Drawing inspiration from Hexagon’s diverse range of services in the industrial sector, the feature wall combines perforated metal panels, ribbed wood stained in corporate colors, and specially textured plastering.

Creating a Comfortable and Flexible Workplace

In response to the evolving work dynamics post-COVID-19, we transitioned from fixed seating to Activity Based Working (ABW) at new workplace. ABW empowers employees to choose their work time and location based on their tasks and preferences, fostering flexibility and productivity.

Our goal was to rejuvenate internal communication and productivity by establishing a hybrid workplace conducive to diverse activities. To achieve this, we designed collaboration spaces, solo workstations, a café, and a pantry within the workplace area, forming a dynamic “new communication space.”

Furthermore, we enhanced the ambiance with walls adorned in graphic sheets featuring corporate colors and custom wallpapers inspired by the corporate logo. These elements not only reflect client’s brand identity but also contribute to creating an inspiring and cohesive work environment.

Selecting Environmentally Friendly Materials

In line with the client’s commitment to sustainability, our office design integrates environmentally friendly materials throughout. This includes pendant lighting crafted from recycled and natural wood, 100% recyclable carpeting, and PVC tiles sourced from recycled flooring materials, emphasizing our dedication to minimizing environmental impact.

To further enhance the workspace, greenery has been strategically incorporated. Not only does this add a touch of nature to the office environment, but it also promotes relaxation, reduces eye strain, and boosts productivity. By bringing elements of the outdoors indoors, we aim to create a workspace that not only supports employee well-being but also fosters a deeper connection to nature.

■Designer Profile
Nobuyuki Ueno
International Design Division, Office Department, Chief Designer
Joined GARDE after working for a domestic design firm, where he was involved in a diverse array of interior design projects, including offices, hotels, and commercial facilities. He also gained experience in interior design at an Australian design firm. He consistently strives to propose innovative activities and values, always approaching his work with a global perspective.

■Scope of work
Interior Design, Graphic Design, Construction Supervision, Furniture Selection

■Property Information
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Office Design
Completion and Handover Date: 2023/ 10
Floor Area: 1026㎡

■About Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence provides data-driven solutions from design to engineering, engineering to metrology to support customers in manufacturing even smarter products.
HP：https://h-mi.jp/lp-company/

Image Credit: Kenji MASUNAGA