admin, Author at Garde Design Magazine

Hotel ARU KYOTO, a “Taisho Romance” in Kyoto’s Sanjo Kiyamachi district. “A modernist worldview created by an Italian designer is ‘there’ (ARU)”

GARDE carried out the grand opening of HOTEL ARU KYOTO on Sanjo-Kiyamachi Street in Kyoto in July 2021and was involved in the conceptualization of the façade, planning, basic design, implementation of design, and general supervision of the project.

The space overall, is a well-balanced and elegant combination of Japanese and Western elements, transporting guests into the world of Taisho Romanticism. It features Western damask wallpaper and traditional Japanese house ceilings and tiles, European furniture, Japanese wooden lattices, and Western style stained glass.

● Background of the birth of HOTEL ARU KYOTO

The world of Taisho Romance, a modernist Japan of about 100 years ago, as interpreted by an Italian designer.
Italian designer Francesco Ristori was in charge of the design of this property. He studied architecture at the University of Florence and continued to work on residential and retail design as well as the restoration of historical buildings in Italy before coming to Japan in 2014, after which he joined Garde.

To date, he is still involved in projects that allow him to demonstrate his experience and customs in Italy. So why “Taisho Romance”? Italians and “Taisho Romance” – At first glance, seems incongruous. However, the key to the success of this project lies in that “sense of incongruity”.

The encounter between the Italian designer and “Taisho Romance”.
He first discovered Taisho Romanticism when he joined the project, a style of Japanese art and culture expressed through a unique worldview. At first, he had the impression that it resembled the Western style, but as his learning deepened, he was impressed by this unique worldview created by incorporating new interpretations into Western architecture and art.

The more you learn about Taisho Romanticism, the more fascinated you become.
The Taisho era (1912-1926), which lasted only 15 years after the Meiji era (1868-1912), was a time of modernization and a blend of Japanese and Western culture. It was a time of contrasts between light and shadow, with urban glamour, but also social unrest caused by economic stagnation. He felt “a gentle melancholy and a spiritual longing” for the architecture and art that had a somehow somber atmosphere in contrast to the glamor of the era.

The Design of HOTEL ARU KYOTO
The overall design takes in the culture of the past and sublimates it with modern technology and taste in order to create a new space. It is not simply a matter of reviving an old-fashioned atmosphere but also creating a place where people can experience “Taisho Romanticism” in Kyoto, a new purpose to visit the city. He believes that it is a sustainable design that will generate modernism 100 years from now.

Click here for the designer profile
https://www.garde-intl.com/aboutus/?lang=jp

● Introduction of Facilities

The word “ARU” (meaning to exist in Japanese) refers to a hotel that continues to exist in a place beyond time. Sanjo-Kiyamachi Street was once a bustling lumber wholesaler district along the Takase River. Throughout the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho eras, the town was influenced by Western culture, but the universal values and the romanticism rooted in the town have been passed down from generation to generation.

While preserving the history and traditions of this town, the hotel creates new values and culture to weave a better future. Without being bound by a framework, they continuously incorporate new cultures. During this time, unique cultures were born in many fields such as architecture, design, and entertainment, including stonework and brick architecture, Japanese and Western interiors, and culturally, the establishment of the Takarazuka Revue and the popularity of cinema. HOTEL ARU KYOTO was born from the inspiration of a one-of-a-kind era and the architectural style of “Taisho Romance”.

Front desk with a chic and modern interior.

Rooms with pleasant light coming through the stained-glass windows.

The designer’s favorite authentic bar counter made of a single piece of wood. The dim, atmospheric lighting gives the place a “Taisho Romantic” air.

The rooftop overlooks the beautiful scenery of Kyoto and can be enjoyed as a beer garden in summer.

Facility Overview
– Official name：HOTEL ARU KYOTO
– Location: 48 Daikoku-cho, Sanjo-shitaaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8031, Japan
– Use: Hotel (55 rooms, including 1 barrier-free room)
– Scale: 9 stories above ground
– Height: 29.50m
– Structure: Steel-frame construction
– Site Area: 391.44m2
– Building Area：1707.30m2

Scope of work
Concept planning, facade, basic planning, basic design, implementation design, and supervision

Corporate Wellness Practices

Trend

The global pandemic has affected everyone in many ways and has been a fundamental shift in the advancement of Corporate Wellness. For many employees, the health crisis ushered in significant changes to the workplace, with a major shift to remote work, heightening health consciousness as a priority－not just physically but also emotionally and mentally as well.

In response to this shift, companies have given in-depth focus to their employees’ holistic wellbeing through designing and managing wellness initiatives that will boost the productivity output of team members, foster mental and emotional health, improve physical wellbeing, and make them comfort in all areas of life—including work.

Why invest in corporate wellness programs?

As Sarah Kalmeta, Success Coach and head of Pivot Point, shares, “At the end of the day, your business is run by people, and happy people are productive people and productive people are happy people. By taking care of your people, your business will see reduced costs, reduced stress, lower turnover, greater productivity, increased morale, and improved employee and client relationships. Corporate wellness programs are shown to have a positive impact on both the employer and employee.”

How does corporate wellness play a role in the effectiveness of a team/business?

Judy Xu, life coach and owner of Balance Health Hong Kong, shares that wellness programs are an integral part of business and how keeping the employees happy, motivated, and engaged equates to high productivity and overall business performance.

“It used to be the case that working as a team towards a common goal made everyone happy. But nowadays, millennials in particular, have a clear sense of purpose in their work and are aware of how the company can take care of them.

Our approach to corporate wellness is to take a holistic view of our employees’ work lives as well as their lives in general, and by taking care of their mental and physical health, we can align their life purpose with the company’s purpose while increasing their satisfaction and fulfillment at work. As a result, we aim to improve the productivity of our employees and teams and their ability to solve problems.

What kind of corporate wellness programs are currently being executed considering COVID-19?

The five elements theory categorizes everything in nature into wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Thiz Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness program, which includes meridian exercises that help to balance each of these elements, is very effective in boosting the immune system. This self-healing workout is designed to unblock major meridian (energy pathways in the body) and stimulate the circulation of ‘Qi’. Practices such as meridian stretching, acupressure, and meditation with singing bowls, and lead to a healthy body and mind.

Also recommended are interactive, remote workshops that can be practiced at home. These are designed to take care of mental fatigue, strengthen connections within teams, and maintain wellness in the workplace. Breathing techniques, self-awareness, mindset, meditation, and moderate exercise can all help you take control of the mental fatigue one experiences when working from home.

By implementing a situational wellness program, companies can create a healthier work environment for their employees. This allows for maximum performance, high productivity, and minimized economic loss.

Wellness Retreat Destinations in Asia

Trend

The Global Pandemic has made a huge impact to all of us in different ways and wellness has been one of the industries that found opportunity in these challenging times. Many people have been craving for relaxation and recovery. The importance of wellbeing and immunity has been a priority for most and the demand for wellness retreats has been high.

And while there are a variety of ways to relax, there is nothing quite like a luxury wellness retreat to relax the mind, body and spirt. Asia’s luxury health resorts are now re-aligning their holistic wellness programs to support one’s wellness journey. Whether you are dreaming of the sea, the sand, or the mountains there is a wellness holiday to suit your needs.

Life Reset at Nay Palad, Philippines

Naturally sheltered on the southeastern tip of the island of Siargao, an hour flight from Manila. The hideaway is nestled between two distinct marine ecosystems where guests can enjoy the serene isolation of these untouched beaches that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

You can bask by the pool in hanging pods scattered around this sanctuary and lounge all day at the private bay. You can also cap off the night at the outdoor bar, play around trampoline in the afternoon and choose to spend mornings in two pagodas – one in the mangroves and one in the sea. A relaxing treat awaits you in this unique spa which is adorned with handwoven fixtures and is particularly atmospheric at night.

Nay Palad takes pride in their wellness treatments at the Boathouse pavilion where they offer yoga meditation outdoors. Their resort has a functional gym area and offers a relaxing ‘Hilot’ massage, a traditional Filipino massage, acclaimed for its healing properties. Luxury at its finest, Nay Palad highlights open-air living and sustainability, harmoniously merging traditional architecture, contemporary interior design, and breathtaking nature all in one luxury experience.

Holistic Retreat at Chiva Som, Thailand

Chiva Som, an award-winning Luxury wellness destination in Asia, exudes modern interior design featuring 54 exquisite rooms, including traditional Thai Pavilions to curate an authentic experience.

Located along the Gulf of Thailand and straddling over seven acres of greenery of Hua Hin, Chiva-Som offers a variety of newly renovated ocean rooms and suites highlighting warm tones and made out of natural materials. Each villa comprises a dining area, dressing room, mini pantry, and two toilets. They take pride in customer-centric service and personalization to create a unique experience. Travelers can choose their desired scent of oil burners, the amenities in their bathrooms, and even the linen and pillows used inside the bedroom depending on their preference.

Chiva Som is also known to offer one of the best wellness programs in Asia. Bask in their indulgent and thorough wellness retreat, accompanied by the invigorating holistic healing programs facilitated by some of the world’s best medical practitioners. Their wellness offerings include detox, yoga, fitness, physiotherapy and weight management designed to guide personal transformation.

Remote Healing in Como Shambala Estate, Indonesia

Set in the lush rainforests of Ubud, Como Shambala Estate is widely known as “luxury retreat for change” featuring state-of-the-art, residential-style accommodations aiming to spring an optimistic ambiance of healing and lifestyle changes.

Tucked in by the splendor of the tropical jungle, they offer healing experiences with highly trained wellness experts such as life coaches, energy healers, yoga masters, and nutritionists, all there to help one achieve a healthy mind, body and spirit while connecting with nature.

The villas and suites are located around the 23-acre site to craft a restful and serene environment. Each room is furnished with natural wood furniture, including an alfresco terrace, and semi-outdoor bathrooms. Unwind by the outdoor pool, explore paradise with guided tours, or book massage therapy and other wellness treatments customized to give visitors a memorable experience.

References:
https://www.naypaladhideaway.com/
https://www.chivasom.com/
https://www.comohotels.com/en/comoshambhalaestate

Report on the Ningbo Hankyu Conference

Event

The first Hankyu Department store in China, Ningbo Hankyu, opened last April 16, 2021. Being one of the projects developed under the Cool Japan Organization, it took four years for the retail outlet to open after various twists and turns since its start in 2017. GARDE was involved in the exterior and interior design of the aforementioned property.

GARDE has been involved in several opening projects, such as the Nishinomiya Hankyu opening in 2008, the Hakata Hankyu in 2011, and the Umeda Main Store in 2012. This time, GARDE has created a new commercial facility based on the concept of “China’s first experiential shopping mall” that combines the strengths of a department store with those of a shopping center. The project has gotten off to a strong start for a large-scale commercial facility, and its attention has grown tremendously. Therefore, in response to an enthusiastic request from within the industry, Hankyu Department Store held a seminar on May 28, 2021, on “Keys to Success in Developing a New Style of Commercial Facility”. The seminar was attended by about 80 people from local department stores and shopping centers, and GARDE, which was involved in the concept work and design of the project, gave a presentation.
Yutaka Yamamoto, the design director, took the stage remotely from Japan. The following is an excerpt of Yamamoto’s speech about the design of Ningbo Hankyu.

• Concept
When we created the concept, we had two major things in mind. The first was to create an oasis where people can gather and spend time comfortably, as Ningbo is a new urban area that will continue to develop. The second is to introduce Japanese content, not simply by expressing traditional Japanese culture as it is, but by incorporating it into a modern design that is sublimated.
The concept that emerged was “J FOREST GARDEN”. The concept is based on three elements: “J Culture” = traditional Japanese culture, “Nature” = nature motifs, and “Modern” = contemporary.

• Floor Expansion
The sales floor area of Ningbo Hankyu is about 2.5 times larger than that of the Umeda flagship store. We paid close attention to the spatial configuration of the entire building so that customers can move around this large sales floor without getting bored.

Since one floor is too spacious, a single worldview may bore customers. Therefore, we divided the space into three zones to create the pleasure of circulation. The central area of each zone has a dynamic ceiling design unrestricted to the guidelines, emphasizing the changing zones.

Each floor has a different design theme in order to create a space where visitors can enjoy the experience of a different worldview spread vertically. In the central zone, the plaza connected by the atrium between the 2nd and 3rd floor, and the Gyeongjeon Plaza between the 4th and 7th floor, which is the centerpiece of the entire building, are positioned as the central core of a vertical axis. The dome is inspired by the traditional Japanese architectural technique of woodwork and was designed by sublimating the traditional Japanese technique into a modern design. This is the center of the museum, where visitors can relax on the grand staircase and where large-scale events are held to introduce various goods, activities, and cultures from around the world. We designed this dome as a symbolic space in which people gather to see it and have it etched in their memories.

Qingti Plaza in the central zone on the 4th floor

• Exterior Design
The design includes a welcoming entrance, as we wanted to create a striking yet friendly design that conveys the richness of nature and hospitality that is symbolic of J FOREST GARDEN.
The curtain wall of the upper level is based on the image of “water and forest” as its nature-themed, expressing natural and soft streamlines such as flowing water and ridges of mountains showcasing a forest design. The building is also designed to create beautiful shadows using light, making it an iconic landscape of the new city center.
The lower levels are designed to resemble trees in a forest, using branches and leaves as well as a modern stone pattern where the height was adjusted to attract people to the installation.

The north and south entrances, which serve as the faces of Ningbo Hankyu, symbolizes Hankyu elegance, the DNA of the Hankyu Department Store, expressing the high-quality standards of the brand.
The entrance façade design consists of custom-made reliefs featuring waves, flowers, stars, and sandstone (Crema Marfil) as part of the brand DNA, created together with the Hankyu Department Store when the Hankyu Umeda Main Store was rebuilt.

Exterior appearance

In many ways, this project was the culmination of all of Hankyu Department Store’s design work to date.
Ningbo Hankyu, being born in Ningbo, represented the sublimation of its history and tradition nurtured in Japan and their future is to attract more and more attention from the public.

Property Information
Location: No. 189, Haiyanbei Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
Total commercial floor area: 176,000m2 (6 floors above ground and 1 floor below ground)
Number of tenants: 380 stores

Scope of work: Exterior design, interior design

Design Director
Yutaka Yamamoto
Director, Design Division, Design Department 1
Yutaka Yamamoto is active in the design and direction of large commercial facilities including department stores. He oversaw the design of the sales floor for the Hankyu Umeda Main Store renovation project and the general direction of Nishinomiya Hankyu. He was responsible for the design of the 3rd and 4th floors for the entire renovation of Ginza Mitsukoshi. Overseas, he directed the renovation of the entire DOOTA building in Seoul, the new PARKSON Johor Bahru store, etc. In 2019, his project was the watch section on the 5th floor of Isetan Shinjuku. Yutaka Yamamoto is also the general design director of Ningbo Hankyu, which opened in 2021, and has extensive experience in designing large commercial facilities in Japan and overseas.

Rebranding of Chinese women’s fashion brand “LANCY” and branding design for the new brand “L By LANCY”.

Project

GARDE designed the first store after the rebranding of Chinese luxury women’s fashion brand “LANCY” and the first store of the newly launched second line “L By LANCY”, starting from the conceptualization, basic planning, basic design, implementation design and supervision.

Since its establishment in 2000, LANCY has been a high-end women’s fashion brand that offers fashion for every occasion, targeting sophisticated urban women with charm, experience, and influence. Competition in the Chinese women’s fashion market is becoming increasingly fierce as average incomes rise, needs diversify, and markets become more fragmented. While the trend toward casual and street fashion continues, there is also a growing emphasis on “brand value”, and there is a stronger demand for brand reliability, not just luxury. In response to this trend, the mission was to redefine the brand value of LANCY and to brand L By LANCY, which had been handled by the same store, as a new brand.

LANCY
We aim to support sophisticated women living in the city by dressing them with unique styles. We also hope to deliver love and power to the world while increasing consumer empathy for the brand value. The concept of the store design is “My place, My time”. With the image of a “mansion” where the girls live, we created a sophisticated yet relaxing space by using high-quality materials and bright, warm tones throughout. In the store, a “gate” is placed as a symbol of a “mansion,” and by changing the material of the floor, a space with different expressions to create to atmosphere of the space. We were conscious of carefully expressing delicate femininity with fine details by creating a luxurious space using the brand’s original LC pattern. We believe that customers should feel what the brand represents as soon as they step into the store.

Inside the LANCY store

L By LANCY
While maintaining the elegant and sophisticated worldview of LANCY, the brand targets a wider and younger audience. Based on the design concept of “My place, My time”, the space is designed to communicate the glitz and glamour of the brand. Their customized chandelier features the L By LANCY logo displayed in the center of the store that creates a very festive and inviting atmosphere.

Inside the L By LANCY store

Scope of work
Concept planning, basic planning, basic design, implementation design, supervision by Garde