Focal Point

Guided by a design concept of “Library & Art,” the renovation of the Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C. Grand Patio, which has a 50-year history, was completed in 2020 by interior design studio Yuko Nagayama and Associates, with lighting design by Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design. The design transforms the spacious atrium into an intimate enclave that resembles a park in some places and a private library in others, offering opportunities for visitors to encounter books and art. Three primary elements compose the space: an assemblage of lights, shelves for encountering stories, and parklike greenery. Comprised of 669 Daiko Electric lamps and 1338 cords, the assemblage of lights is the most distinctive feature of the project. By varying the height of the suspended lights, the team constructed four ceiling vaults between the columns. Lights are suspended like necklace pendants from two thin cords hung at convergent 40° angles. The white lines overlap to form a nimbus overhead that is illuminated by the suspended light sources. The designers performed weight calculations and made mockups to determine the weight necessary to prevent the longest cords, measuring five metres, from slackening. The lamps are made of carved acrylic rather than glass, ensuring safety if they are ever knocked. Of the two cords used to hang each light, stainless steel wire was inserted in the one without electrical wiring as an additional safety measure to prevent them from falling. To prevent the carved acrylic cavities from shining too brightly from the light reflected inside, the team experimented with different forms to avoid additional distorted reflected light.

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Image: Daici Ano