Ashiya Optical Store: Where Eyewear Becomes an Architectural Encounter
In the serene streets of Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, a new kind of eyewear store has opened its doors: Ashiya Optical Store. This isn’t just a place to buy glasses; it’s a meticulously designed “encounter space” where architecture and eyewear artistry intertwine. The acclaimed RID Co., Ltd., led by spatial designer Reiichi Ikeda, is behind the store’s interior, creating an environment that redefines the traditional retail experience.
The vision for Ashiya Optical Store was clear: to move beyond the conventional “selling space” and cultivate a “meeting space” for eyewear. This concept, born from the owner’s deep interest in architecture and design, allows the act of trying on glasses, the interaction with staff, and the display of products to become integral parts of the spatial narrative. It’s a subtle but profound shift that invites visitors to engage with eyewear on a deeper, more personal level.
Architectural Harmony: Blurring Boundaries
A defining characteristic of Ashiya Optical Store’s interior design is its seamless integration with the existing building’s structure. Rather than concealing the architectural lines, RID® chose to replicate and offset them within the interior elements. This ingenious approach blurs the distinction between the building and its inner space, creating a cohesive, unified structure that feels both expansive and intimate. The result is a space that breathes with its surroundings, offering a unique visual and tactile experience.
Crafting Connection Through Angles
The design extends to every detail, including the display furniture and partitions, which are thoughtfully angled to follow the building’s contours. This deliberate angling subtly influences the “gaze” and “distance” that emerge when guests select glasses, peer into mirrors, and converse with staff.
“It’s not about a direct, confrontational interaction,” one might muse, “but a gentle, angled communication that allows for a more considered and unhurried selection process.” This innovative layout transforms the store from a mere transaction point into a sanctuary where visitors can truly connect with the eyewear that suits them best.
Sensory Design: Lighting and Materiality
The store’s ambiance is further curated through careful manipulation of ceiling height and material selection. The ceiling is intentionally set lower, concealing the exposed skeleton of beams, to foster a sense of calm and focus essential for engaging with eyewear. This creates a cozy, almost gallery-like atmosphere.
Contrasting this, the flooring features robust 300mm square concrete slabs, grounding the space and subtly transferring the building’s inherent strength into the interior design. This interplay of textures and heights maintains a balanced, sophisticated feel throughout the store.
Even the furnishings resonate with the architectural lines. A standout feature is the original pendant lights, crafted from the same material as the other fixtures. These are not just light sources; they are conceived as extensions of the architecture and furniture themselves. Within the deliberately low-ceilinged space, these lights cast a soft glow on the displays, elegantly highlighting each delicate pair of glasses.
Shop Information
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Address: 11-2 Kimitsucho, Ashiya, Hyogo 659-0065, 3F, Japan
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Open: 10:00 – 17:30
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Closed: Thursdays, Sundays
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Contact: TEL 0797-69-9077 or Instagram DM
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Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashiya_optical.store/
About RID® Co., Ltd. and Reiichi Ikeda
The innovative interior design was spearheaded by Reiichi Ikeda, founder of RID® Co., Ltd. Born in Shiga in 1981 and a graduate of Osaka University of Arts, Ikeda established “REIICHI IKEDA DESIGN” in 2012 after working with renowned firms. His studio, RID®, operates under the concept of “margins of the everyday™,” focusing on creating high-quality designs across architectural, interior, and product domains for both commercial and residential spaces.
RID® has a notable portfolio, including projects like “Nippon Shinyaku Kyoto Head Office KOKU” and “ROHM Tokyo Business Center,” and has garnered numerous awards both in Japan and internationally. Ikeda also serves as a part-time lecturer at Osaka University of Arts.
For those interested in exploring more of their work, visit their official website: https://reiichiikeda.com/
Ashiya Optical Store, a space where architectural structure is transformed into an interior experience, invites you to discover your perfect pair in a setting unlike any other. This new “場” (ba, meaning “place” or “field” in Japanese, often implying a shared experience or atmosphere) in Ashiya promises a truly special encounter with eyewear, blending Japanese design sensibilities with a global outlook on retail experience.
Explore the project in more detail: https://reiichiikeda.com/works/ashiya-optical-store/
