THIRD PLACE episode #3

 

Hello, this is Yota.

 

It's been a while, but today Let me introduce you to "this place".

 

In episodes 1 and 2, we were able to convey the thoughts and ideas behind THIRD PLACE, but it was architect Yusuke Kobayashi who helped us to give form to the space.

 

Kobayashi and I are close in age and have known each other for over two years. We check each other's social media accounts and keep in regular contact, and we share the same respect for each other's work and ways of thinking. Whenever we meet for a meal, we talk about anything and everything, from trivial matters to serious matters. (laughs)

To me, Kobayashi-san is one of the architects who loves clothes, and we have something in common; he always dresses the same way. He has style and a clear idea of what he likes, but he also has a broad perspective and is flexible, so it's always a lot of fun to talk to him.

 

This was my first time working with him, but looking back, we really did spend a lot of time "conversing."

 

It wasn't just about making things, we wanted to know the "why" and "how" behind everything, so there were times when things got pretty heated.

 

I think it was precisely because we shared the same stance of striving to create something good that we were able to keep putting in a lot of thought and not slack off.

 

 

 

 

Now let me talk about the architecture of THIRD PLACE.

 

Those who have already been there may know that THIRD PLACE has two entrances. The first door is the First Place, the space between the first door and the second door is the Second Place, and the space beyond the second door is the Third Place.

 

They created three spaces and architecturally expressed THIRD PLACE.

 

As you can see from the image above, the orange shape of the Second Place is distinctive. This space designed by Kobayashi-san is what gives the space its originality, which is characteristic of THIRD PLACE, and we really like it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ceiling and lighting fixtures that were originally on the polycarbonate walls were cut to fit the shape of this second place, and new lighting fixtures were installed on top of the old ones. Some of the lighting fixtures were cut to fit the second place, so they were reconstructed while making use of the original space.

 

We incorporate the idea of updating while still respecting our unique base into these aspects as well.

 

Basically, no items are stored in this second place, and it becomes dead space, which is considered taboo in the retail industry, but this time we asked them to think very carefully about this "white space," which is often perceived as waste.

 

We believe that this space is a symbol of this place, so we deliberately did not put any markings (signs or cutting sheets) at the entrance. We had a sign attached to the street lamp in front of us, but it is difficult for first-time visitors to find. We hope that when people see this entrance, they will recognize it as "THIRD PLACE."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you go further in from the Second Place, you will find a row of large mirrors in front of you, creating an open space called the Third Place.

 

The ceiling is 3m high up to the second place, but once you enter the third place, the ceiling becomes 3.75m high. We were particular about creating a different space and worldview even within the same place.

 

Although a variety of materials were used, there was a sense of unity, and as a cold, inorganic feel doesn't suit me, they were able to create a warm atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also asked for only two racks on either side of the second place, allowing us to display a carefully selected range of clothes.

Also, the height of the rack The height was set to 170cm. This location allows for natural light to enter and allows you to see the texture and details of the materials as they are, so I made detailed requests with the belief that this height and environment would allow us to present the clothes in the best possible light.

Kobayashi-san also suggested that we try to hide the area where the clothes hangers are hung, and I really like this idea too.

 

 

 

 

The most important point about this third place was that it did not have a built-in cash register or shelves.

As I wrote in my previous blog, I didn't want to define a specific meaning or position for THIRD PLACE, so we stripped away most of the typical store-like elements and instead gave the space more freedom.

By increasing this freedom, we are able to have more options for how we want to communicate as a store and the scope of our creativity is expanded, creating a space where we can enjoy a variety of approaches.

 

 

As I mentioned when talking about Second Place, the keyword for THIRD PLACE is "white space."

 

"Freedom" is born from the fact that we don't create too much space. It's not that we simply want "freedom," but by leaving "space" within our base, we can accept various values and think about new frameworks and shapes. I think that this will also lead to new challenges and become the "depth" of THIRD PLACE.

 

There are many abstract parts, but with Kobayashi's help in giving shape to each of them, we were able to create the THIRD PLACE we were aiming for.

 

 

We would also like to thank Mr. Kobayashi of Manken who handled the construction (both of us this time were Mr. Kobayashi) and all the craftsmen for working within a tight schedule.

 

 

 

 

 

Episode #4 "CRISPY" "MATSUYAMA" "GOROMARU "