In light of the release of Wonderwall’s second monograph titled ‘Case Studies’, Joanna Kawecki speaks with Masamichi Katayama, founder and director of the Tokyo-based interior design firm on the importance of documentation and his design process.
September 14th, 2016
‘Case Studies,’ a newly released 376-page book, provides a comprehensive look at the work of internationally acclaimed Tokyo-based interior design firm, Wonderwall. Founded in 2000, Wonderwall remains one of Japan’s most prolific and ground-breaking design firms for its breadth of projects in fields such as interior design, architecture, product design and installation art.
The firm is helmed by founder Masamichi Katayama, whose unconstrained approach to spatial design has gained wide attention. With an impressive portfolio of local and international work, Wonderwall is responsible for the store designs of Uniqlo and A Bathing Ape worldwide, as well as the stores of Colette in Paris; Pass the Baton in Tokyo and Kyoto, and Thom Browne New York in Tokyo.
The publication poses an invitation to the reader to dive into his thinking process behind each project by breaking down his unique understanding of how people navigate retail spaces subconsciously. There is an element of entertainment and surprise, each design carefully considering brand identity and target audience yet championing his signature bold themes and designs.
The monograph provides new insights and in-depth analyses of Wonderwall’s leading projects such as Intersect by Lexus, Uniqlo, Westfield Sydney, Yoyogi Village Code Kurkku Cafe and Music Bar, alongside a portfolio overview of other retail, studio and hospitality designs.
Besides showcasing the current designs of Wonderwall, the book provides insights into early projects that no longer exist, such as Nigo’s Nowhere (Busy Workshop Harajuku) and Kaws’ Original Fake in Tokyo. Both projects were prominent in helping to establish Katayama and Wonderwall in Japan and globally.
‘Case Studies’ is published by Gestalten and designed by Wink Creative. We speak with Katayama, who expresses the importance of investigation and process in his designs. He also tells us why the company has decided to release a new print compendium for the studio’s works.
Katayama-san, with a large collection of books yourself, how important is publishing to you?
I love books because they provide me with a lot of stimulation. The reason for publishing our books [for Wonderwall] is to record what we have done and to show our work to a wider audience, inside and outside of Japan. The various responses we receive from our readers allows me to consider more things.
How did you approach this new book and the editing process?
On creating each page, I tried to present our thinking process as clear as possible. Process is the mother of all forms. I think that without knowing [or understanding] our process, people cannot truly know Wonderwall.
How important is photography when documenting your work ?
I think photos are important for the people who cannot [physically] visit the spaces. But the actual stores provide us with much more information than that in photos. You can feel the atmosphere with your own senses if you visit [the spaces] yourself. That is very important, I think.
What is good design to you?
I always start from an initial concept, without being dependent on materials and their possibilities. Forms made by various materials are only elements [to support] a concept.
What is coming up this year for Wonderwall?
We have a few new upcoming projects such as design for domaine TETTA in Okayama; United Arrows Roppongi Hills in Tokyo and Diesel Milan San Babila in Milan, to name a few.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
What happens when rational, Modernist architecture puts down roots in a lush, tropical setting? Concrete Jungle, a new book by gestalten, explores locations across Asia and the world to find some of the most visionary residential adaptations of an international style to distinct local settings.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Lacquered in warm timber tones and complemented by high-quality furniture and fixtures, the new HQ for Salta Properties is a home away from home.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.