Project Name: GIGI VERDE Nara

Location: Nara City, Japan

Design Team: SIDES CORE

Area: 43 m²

Completion: September 1, 2024

Photography: Yosuke Ohtake

Lighting Design: DAIKO Electric Co., Ltd.

Construction: THE Ltd.

Design Period: May 7, 2024 - June 27, 2024

Construction Period: July 15, 2024 - August 6, 2024

Feature：

Project - In a masterful demonstration of spatial efficiency, Japanese design studio SIDES CORE, led by Sohei Arao, has created an innovative interior for GIGI VERDE Nara, a flower shop that seamlessly integrates retail, workshop, and consultation spaces within a modest 43-square-meter footprint.

The design's centerpiece is a continuously rising floor plane that transforms from entrance to counter to mezzanine, creating a topographical intervention that echoes the mountainous landscape of Nara. This sculptural element, finished in earthy plaster tones, serves multiple functions while providing a neutral backdrop that amplifies the vivid colors of the flowers on display.

"The challenge was to create distinct zones without rigid boundaries in such a limited space," explains Arao. The solution manifests in subtle level changes that create natural transitions between areas. The elevated mezzanine, reached by a gently curved path, houses a tranquil consultation area for bridal clients, while the lower level accommodates a spacious workshop where multiple florists can work simultaneously.

The shop's innovative storage solutions are integrated within the architectural elements – beneath the 950mm-high counter and within the void spaces created by the elevated floor sections. This intelligent use of space ensures the compact interior remains uncluttered despite the demands of a working flower shop.

SIDES CORE's attention to atmospheric detail is evident in the lighting design, developed in collaboration with DAIKO Electric. A carefully positioned pendant light at the rear of the space draws visitors' gaze through the interior, enhancing the perception of depth and height. The stepped display system, featuring organic curves, not only serves as a flexible showcase for varying inventory but also allows passersby to observe florists at work, transforming the retail space into a transparent atelier.

This project exemplifies how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform spatial constraints into opportunities for innovation, creating a harmonious environment that enhances both the customer experience and operational efficiency.

Design Team - Founded in 2005 by Sohei and Sumiko Arao, SIDES CORE has established itself as one of Japan's most innovative multidisciplinary design studios, operating from their base in Osaka's vibrant Nishiku district. The firm's name reflects their philosophical approach to spatial design - exploring the core essence of spaces from multiple sides and perspectives.

The practice has gained international recognition for their holistic approach to architecture and interior design, particularly in the retail and residential sectors. Their portfolio showcases a distinctive minimalist aesthetic that seamlessly integrates Japanese spatial concepts with contemporary design principles. SIDES CORE's expertise spans across various typologies, from meticulously crafted hair salons and restaurants to bespoke residential projects.

Under the leadership of Sohei Arao, the studio has expanded into product design, collaborating with prestigious European manufacturers. Notable among these is their "Bevel" stool collection for Spanish brand Punt Mobles in 2013. Their work has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition from Dezeen Awards, ArchDaily Building of the Year nominations, and an American Architecture Prize Bronze Award in 2016.

The practice's commitment to spatial innovation is evident in their recent projects, where they consistently demonstrate mastery in manipulating form, light, and material to create atmospherically rich environments. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including at the World Design Capital Valencia 2022 and multiple appearances at Salone del Mobile Milano, cementing their position in the global design community.