BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE Passage

"Inviting Passage"

The given site is a narrow path situated between two stores. It is known as a "shortcut" used frequently by shoppers moving from the sales floor to the escalators, resulting in high foot traffic. This somewhat negative and unusual location was interpreted positively. Rather than relying on excessive decoration to lure customers in, what is truly needed is a “feature” that makes passersby want to stop and linger. While maintaining the ease of simply passing through, a long wall facing the path was fitted with a bold graphic pattern and extended shelving, using the iconic triangular pieces of BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE. The pattern forms a gradient from white to black, stretching from the entrance to the exit, creating rhythm and depth in the space. The interplay of black and white on this dual-sided backdrop allows the same products to take on different impressions depending on their placement, alleviating the monotony often caused by a single, linear traffic flow. On the opposite wall, a large bench was installed to softly divide the space. The composition encourages casual passersby to notice the spatial change, pause, and naturally spend more time in the area. This design transforms a passageway into a store, and a mere route into a seamless shopping experience.