Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo

13 Jan

In order to make this design project a success, GARDE drew inspiration from Kyoto's traditional "Kyo-machiya" architecture, and it designed the interior of this entire five-story building as a "modern machiya" (townhouse), carrying out the project conceptualization, basic planning, basic design, and supervision.

The lobby area, check-in area, and restaurant were designed to become one, and combined with ICT and AI technologies they create a comfortable and functional environment. A considerable feature of this project is the creation of a space under the theme of ‘learning from the past’ with the involvement of artists who have connections to Kyoto. The coexistence of artworks and expressions with the space have created something that cannot be simply categorized as an art space.

The façade, a contemporary take on the traditional machiya, is designed to retain a sense of the world, while gently controlling the view. A "noren" screen (Japanese curtain-like screen) was installed to invite guests into a simple and modern lobby.

As you enter, a huge touch screen appears in front of you, and an earthen floor leads you to an automatic check-in counter... A stress-free, streamlined flow line suddenly leads to a courtyard reproducing a lush mountain forest, giving you a magical sensation as if you were looking at a painting.

Non-organic and modern industrial materials such as concrete and deck plates are mixed with materials and furnishings such as bare lighting and old wood big tables that are more than 100 years old from lumbering, thus expressing the passage of time with warmth and nostalgia, as well as a sense of renewal.

GARDE

GARDE is a leading design company founded in 1985. We have been providing retail design, branding, and consulting services in Japan. We now have offices in Tokyo, Milan, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York, and Los Angeles, and we provide services on a global scale.

GARDE designs the interiors of luxury fashion stores, boutiques, hotels, department stores, shopping centers, corporate offices and high-end residences. It offers customized services to satisfy clients' needs through its global network of talented designers and a cutting-edge knowledge of the latest trends. GARDE provides services from original concept design to implementation and construction.

GARDE offers 'brand building' and consulting services to international companies to help them start or expand their business in Japan. GARDE supports foreign clients in their endevours to maximize all business opportunities.