First time's the charm. For the world's first freestanding Coach store in Nagoya, Japan, Eight Inc. and Coach Architecture Group created a space that, jurors declared, “belongs on Fifth Avenue.” Despite an unusually long, slender corner site, the design team achieved simplicity with a glazed three-story tower that establishes a monumental presence among its neighbors. Inside, the architecture quiets down, and warm honed limestone and walnut veneers become the backdrop for the merchandise. Panelists voted on the elegance of the design, as well as the comfortable distances between fixtures — a luxurious lack of clutter. Coach has plans for flagships in four other locations in Asia and the U.S. (See p. S 14.) The Nagoya project sets the bar high.
Project Name
Coach Flagship
Location
Nagoya, Japan
Square Footage
7,200
Architect
Eight Inc.
Coach Architecture Group
Client
Coach
General Contractor
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd.
Interior Contractor
Soars Co. Ltd.
Lighting Consultants
Work Techt
ISP Design