Cool Pool: Japanese store opens in former swimming baths

24 : 04 : 2014 The POOL : Aoyama : Nobuo Araki

Toyko - Architect Nobuo Araki has turned an abandoned swimming pool on the ground floor of a 1970s apartment building in Tokyo into a modern and minimalist concept store called the POOL.

the POOL, Aoyama the POOL, Aoyama
the POOL, Aoyama the POOL, Aoyama
the POOL, Aoyama the POOL, Aoyama
the POOL, Aoyama the POOL, Aoyama

Products by Nike and Supreme sit alongside the POOL’s own-label items, which are cleverly designed to the theme of a swimming club. A blue stripe surrounds the pool area which is reflected in the POOL’s phone cases and tote bags. Outside, a playful poster reads ‘POOL RULES – no diving, no running, no food.’

The interior celebrates the history of the space and feels honest yet industrial. The original pool area is covered with a sheet of reinforced glass while clothes hang on industrial fittings. Making a store chime with its environment makes it more distinctive; for more, read our Chameleon Brands microtrend.

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