Curated by starchitect Kengo Kuma [1954] and Canadian real estate firms Westbank and Peterson, the Japan unlayered exhibition that’s currently held at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, celebrates the rich traditions of Japanese architecture, design and culture. Along with the aforementioned showcase come two affiliated pop-up stores by leading Japanese retailers Muji and Beams, and both are situated in the lobby of the luxury hotel. Muji already operates three stores in Toronto’s metropolitan area, and this venture heralds the arrival of a permanent outpost on Canada’s west coast in the very near future.

The temporary retail space measures 530 sq.ft. [49 sqm.] and features a design by Kuma that’s inspired by his ceramic cloud project in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The store installation is made of Canadian white oak, a material that’s also used for the brand’s solid wood tables. Before entering the pop-up store shoppers are encounter a product showcase that’s entilted what is Muji?, and which displays some of the retailer’s iconic products that collectively shed light on its retail philosophy. The shelving used here are the same design as the ones inside the store [Pop-up store and exhibition are open through feb 28].

Design: Kengo Kuma
Photography: Muji Canada

https://superfuture.com/supernews/vancouver-muji-pop-up-store