Aesop Ginza by Schemata Architecture Office

Jo Nagasaka of Schemata gives a 35-year-old shoe shop a new brick interior, and new life.

Long ago the owner of Milano Shoes in Tokyo applied brick tiles to the shop facade to create a "high-quality mood." But when new tenants moved in above the space they hated the bricks, an unconventional material in Japan, and painted over them. So upon designing a new space for the skincare company Aesop, Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architecture Office opted for a brick interior in honor of the original Milano Shoes.

Nagasaka chose red brick as the primary material for the interior of the Ginza store as a nod to the street's informal name—Red Brick Street—and to explore the possibilities of a utilitarian material uncommon in Japan. The bent copper demonstration sink pays homage to times when quality plumbing was treated with greater reverence. The resulting store design is bold, pragmatic and poetic.

This compact space has been designed by Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architecture in collaboration with Aesop Creative Manager Hiroko Shiratori. Nagasaka also created Aesop Aoyama, Aesop's first Japanese signature store.

The bent copper demonstration sink pays homage to times when quality plumbing was treated with reverence.

Aesop Ginza occupies a location that was home to Japanese cobblers Milano Shoes for forty-seven years. That company was committed to offering personal service and quality wares to a loyal clientele, never wavering as the street changed around them. Now Aesop Ginza is positioned to work from a space that embodies values so closely aligned with the company's own traditions.

Nagasaka chose red brick as the primary material for the interior of the Ginza store as a nod to the street's history and to explore the possibilities of a utilitarian material uncommon in Japan.

Aesop Ginza: Ginza, Chuoku, Tokyo
Structure: steel construction
Completion: 09/2011
Floor space: 38. m2
Constructon: Zest
Photo: Alessio Guarino

The resulting store design is bold, pragmatic and poetic.

Upon designing a new space for Aesop, Schemata opted for a brick
interior in honor of the original Milano Shoes. — Upon designing a new space for Aesop, Schemata opted for a brick interior in honor of the original Milano Shoes.

Aesop Ginza is positioned to work from a space that embodies values so closely aligned with the company's own traditions.

Aesop Ginza by Schemata Architecture Office

Jo Nagasaka of Schemata gives a 35-year-old shoe shop a new brick interior, and new life.

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