Dezeen Magazine

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc.

A floating white box glides through this fashion boutique in Japan designed by Tokyo studio Specialnormal Inc. (+ slideshow).

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc.

Located inside a shopping mall in Kobe, the Note et Silence boutique was designed like a stage set, where moving walls and rooms can be used to reconfigure the layout of the space.

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

"Humour and playfulness were key when we started this project," explained designer Shin Takahashi. "If the box is placed near the entrance, it creates a corridor and a very aggressive atmosphere. If it is placed at the back of the shop, it creates a bigger area. With the effect of the box, the space can be configured for different scenes like a gallery."

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc.

Each of the sliding walls is suspended from the ceiling and none of them meet the floor, so the ankles and feet of customers can be spotted moving behind them.

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Arched openings denote doorways, while square openings create windows to two sets of display shelves.

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Other interesting Japanese shops we've featured include a boutique filled with doors and a shop with a little house inside.

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

See more shops interiors on Dezeen »

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

See more projects in Japan »

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Photographs are by Koichi Torimura.

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Floor Plan - click for larger image

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Side elevation

Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc

Front elevation