Mardi Mercredi Daikanyama Store: A Seamless Blend of Interior Design and Nature

Located in the vibrant Shibuya City, Japan, the Mardi Mercredi Daikanyama Store represents the first flagship of the contemporary brand Mardi Mercredi. Designed by Creative Studio Unravel, this retail space redefines the relationship between interior design and the surrounding natural environment, offering visitors an immersive experience that blends functionality, aesthetics, and spatial fluidity.

Innovative Two-Floor Layout with Distinct Entrances

Spanning 302 m² over two floors, the store features a unique layout that prioritizes both accessibility and experiential design. Each floor has a separate entrance connected via an external staircase, creating differentiated approaches for visitors. This dual-access design not only resolves practical circulation challenges but also encourages exploration, allowing customers to engage with the space from multiple perspectives.

Flexible Interiors and Dynamic Spatial Planning

On the first floor, Creative Studio Unravel maximized the existing spatial qualities, including a straight, high ceiling that fosters flexibility in layout. Furniture placement can be easily reconfigured, promoting autonomy, efficiency, and a sense of movement. This thoughtful approach transforms the first floor into a cohesive, almost organic environment, where permanence and fluidity coexist seamlessly.

Bringing the Outdoors In

The second floor was designed to integrate the surrounding natural scenery, taking full advantage of the panoramic views of lush green trees observed during the initial site survey. By using color palettes that dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior surfaces: on floors, walls, and ceilings, the space creates a harmonious connection with nature. A centrally positioned reflective element further blurs the line between the indoor environment and the external landscape, encouraging visitors to experience a seamless dialogue between architecture and nature.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

The store’s design also emphasizes material quality and craftsmanship. Collaborating with manufacturers like Hoxan, JBL, LG, and Sugatsune, and led by architect Dong-il Lee, the project utilized premium materials to enhance tactile experience and visual clarity. The construction, executed by TANK, was completed in just nine months, demonstrating efficient project management and meticulous attention to detail.

A Flagship Store That Defines Brand Identity

By integrating innovative interior design, flexible spatial arrangements, and a strong connection with its natural surroundings, the Mardi Mercredi Daikanyama Store successfully embodies the brand’s identity. It offers visitors not just a retail experience, but a sensory journey that merges contemporary design with environmental awareness, setting a new benchmark for flagship stores in urban Japan.

All photographs are works of  Sunghoon Han