An Idea of a Welcoming Retreat

Herzog & de Meuron is an architectural unit formed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. They are highly regarded for their imaginative designs that focus on the building's surface expression, freely transforming the image of materials. Notable projects include the Allianz Arena, a stadium for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and the main stadium for the Beijing Olympics.

As the architects describe, the newly completed store was developed with the idea of being "more like a home than a department store, more modest than luxurious, more opaque than transparent." In contrast to the open feel of the Prada building, this store exudes a sense of a hidden sanctuary.

Its appearance is reminiscent of a glossy metal box placed on the ground, with little on the exterior to suggest the luxurious interior. The metallic facade features a subtle trick: instead of revealing the inside, it reflects the street and passersby.

The interior, adorned with lustrous copper and Miu Miu brocade, evokes the ambiance of an elegant and warm home, complete with comfortable sofas and armchairs. A characteristic feature is the juxtaposition of contrasting materials throughout, such as soft and hard, sharp and curved, textured and smooth.

Herzog & de Meuron states that this building, with "intimacy" as its keyword, reflects the nature of its location. "Tokyo is a truly urban city, its territory fully utilized, leaving no room for the kind of individuality that is common in Europe. This street itself may not be a place for leisurely strolls, but this building serves as a symbol, inviting visitors to step inside and spend some time."