APITA at Cityplaza: A Modern Retail Experience Rooted in Kyoto’s Cultural Legacy
The APITA store at Cityplaza in Hong Kong represents a harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and modern retail design, meticulously crafted by Groundwork Architects. The brand design encapsulates the essence of Kyoto’s cultural heritage, emphasising community, identity, and exploration. The design elements and concepts reflect Kyoto’s unique temperament and urbanism, creating a space that is as much a cultural experience as a retail outlet.
APITA at Cityplaza, Taikoo, Hong Kong — where contemporary design meets vibrant innovation
Conceptual Foundation: Kyoto’s Cultural Legacy
Elements of Kyoto—wood, stone, and water—come together to inspire the unique elements of APITA, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity
The design of APITA is deeply rooted in Kyoto’s rich heritage, traditional architecture, and spiritual significance. The city’s grid-like urbanism, influenced by ancient Chinese feng shui, is subtly woven into the store’s layout, creating a space that functions as both a retail outlet and a cultural experience. APITA is envisioned as a microcosm of Kyoto, reflecting the city’s harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Community-Centric Design
APITA’s design is centred around community, particularly the “Slash Generation” – those balancing multiple roles. It fosters a sense of belonging and encourages exploration, with a layout that promotes movement and interaction, reminiscent of Kyoto’s bustling streets and communal spaces.
The dynamic layout of APITA: diverse sessions are seamlessly integrated to offer unique and immersive experiences.
The dynamic layout integrates diverse sessions for unique, immersive experiences. The “Flow & Stay” concept is key, allowing customers to move fluidly while also offering spaces to pause and reflect, echoing Kyoto’s mix of serene temples and lively markets.
Layering and Textural Exploration
The idea of “Layering & Levelling” is another prominent feature in APITA’s design. This concept draws inspiration from Kyoto’s topography and the layered experiences it offers, from its ancient temples to modern urban spaces. Groundwork Architects implemented this through various levels and textures within the store, creating a dynamic environment that invites exploration.
The seamless fusion of Kyoto’s tradition and modern design through the use of wooden materials
The material palette is carefully selected to reflect Kyoto’s natural elements – wood, stone, and water. These materials create a space that feels both organic and refined, with textures that echo traditional Japanese craftsmanship.The use of natural materials also underscores the store’s commitment to quality and sustainability, aligning with Kyoto’s cultural values.
Thematic Scenarios and Experiential Spaces
APITA’s design features thematic scenarios that transform the store into a space for cultural immersion. For instance, the “Ramen Hawker” and “Lantern Party” themes create a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, reminiscent of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, where community and celebration are prioritised. These themes are integral to the store’s identity, offering a narrative that customers can engage with as they shop.
A brief design inspired by the Koyoto’s “Lantern Party” and “ramen Hawker”
Areas like the “Workshop” and “Tea Tasting” further enhance APITA as a community hub, offering spaces for interaction and cultural exchange, connecting customers with the rich traditions of Kyoto, even in the heart of Hong Kong.
Aesthetic Harmony: Blending Modernity with Kyoto’s Organic Essence
Unique sculpture-inspired furniture: artistic forms redefine the boundaries of functional design.
The dynamic design of APITA embraces a modern aesthetic, emphasising movement, texture, and colour. The space features unique sculptural furniture and a colour palette blending warm earth tones with vibrant accents, creating an engaging and visually captivating atmosphere.Thoughtfully chosen materials like wood, glass, and tiles contribute to a warm yet contemporary environment, while architectural details such as arches and rounded corners soften the space and harmonise with the angular grid patterns on the walls.This careful balance of modernity with organic forms and cultural elements transforms APITA from a mere retail outlet into a vibrant space where the essence of Kyoto is artfully brought to life within a contemporary context.