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. Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc.](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_3.jpg)
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 Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_2.jpg)
"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. Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc.](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_4.jpg)
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 Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_5.jpg)
Arched openings denote doorways, while square openings create windows to two sets of display shelves.
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_6.jpg)
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 Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_7.jpg)
See more shops interiors on Dezeen »
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_8.jpg)
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_1.jpg)
Photographs are by Koichi Torimura.
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_9.gif)
Floor Plan - click for larger image
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_10.gif)
Side elevation
![Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc Note et Silence by Specialnormal Inc](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/10/dezeen_Note-et-Silence-by-Specialnormal-Inc_11.gif)
Front elevation