A floating white box glides through this fashion boutique in Japan designed by Tokyo studio Specialnormal Inc. (+ slideshow).
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.
"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."
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.
Arched openings denote doorways, while square openings create windows to two sets of display shelves.
Other interesting Japanese shops we've featured include a boutique filled with doors and a shop with a little house inside.
See more shops interiors on Dezeen »
Photographs are by Koichi Torimura.
Floor Plan - click for larger image
Side elevation
Front elevation