Overview
Tokyo studio I IN completed the interior design for a Human Made brand store located within Seoul's Lotte Mall Jamsil. The design utilized handcrafted Korean celadon tiles, which were combined with an industrial-style gridded ceiling and various animal sculptures. This design strategy sought to manifest Human Made's philosophical tenet, "the future is in the past."
Research Context
The design project was undertaken for Human Made, a brand founded by designer Nigo. The store is positioned as a lifestyle outlet within a contemporary department store setting. The explicit design objective, as articulated by I IN, was to "truly embody Human Made's philosophy, 'the future is in the past'."
Approach
The design approach integrated several distinct elements: handcrafted Korean celadon tiles were used for cladding, an industrial-style gridded ceiling was installed, and playful animal sculptures were incorporated. This combination aimed to create a specific aesthetic within the retail space, which I IN described as possessing a "powerful presence."
Findings
- The Human Made store in Lotte Mall Jamsil features an interior designed by I IN.
- Key materials and design elements include handcrafted Korean celadon tiles.
- The store's ceiling incorporates an industrial-style grid.
- The interior also features playful animal sculptures.
- The design was intended to embody Human Made's philosophy: "the future is in the past."
- The store is a lifestyle establishment situated within a contemporary department store.
- I IN characterized the resulting aesthetic as a "powerful presence."
Why This Matters
The design demonstrates a specific application of traditional handcrafted materials—Korean celadon tiles—within a modern retail environment. The project illustrates how interior design can be utilized to express a brand's core philosophy through material selection and aesthetic choices, specifically aiming to create a "powerful presence" that reflects a "future is in the past" ethos.