ARKHE Beauty Salon, Moriyuki Ochiai Architects revealed their design of a beauty salon named ARKHE (refers to the ancient belief that water is the source of all creation) around the theme of water. The ceiling is made of a large sculptural ceiling created from curving recycled aluminum sheets, that twist and bend throughout the spaces. Thus, by using aluminum and bringing out the beauty of the material ,we bring into existence a space filled with transient and ever-changing light, like the reflection of light on the surface of water. More details from the architect come after the jump.
© Atsushi Ishida
”Recyclable aluminum” sheet was used to express the flow of water and hair, reflecting the airily soft light, like sparkling light on water’s surface, and filling the space with elegant and sensual curves. The walls are painted in a silver shade that mimics the glimmering reflection of light on the surface of water.
© Atsushi Ishida
The aluminum’s flow changes freely while providing a function and atmosphere suited to each area: A space with a gentle flow and a high ceiling for the haircutting area; A space with a stiff current and changes in height difference for the center aisle area and a space with a low ceiling for the waiting area.
© Atsushi Ishida
This allows to minutely perceive the changes in light throughout the day(from bright white during the day to more emotional blue and purple hues by night),according to the viewer’s location and the passage of time, as well as to experience a space with transient and diverse atmospheres.
© Atsushi Ishida
Water is the source of all life, and this space projects an image of clarity as a beauty salon in pursuit of the origin of beauty. Moreover, since they give the space its singularity, we adapted the assembly method of the aluminum ceiling parts so as to be able to disassemble and reinstall them when moving the business to a different location. In doing so, we devised a way to effectively reduce the costs of moving.
Project info:
Architects: Moriyuki Ochiai Architects
Country: Japan, Chiba
Area: 120 m²
Year: 2013
Photographs: Atsushi Ishida
client: arkhe beauty salon
Ibrahim Abdelhady is an architect, academic, and media entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in architecture and digital publishing. He is the Founder and CEO of Arch2O.com, a leading platform in architectural media, renowned for showcasing innovative projects, student work, and critical discourse in design. Holding dual PhDs in Architecture, Dr. Abdelhady combines academic rigor with industry insight, shaping both future architects and architectural thought. He actively teaches, conducts research, and contributes to the global architecture community through his writing, lectures, and media ventures. His work bridges the gap between practice and academia, pushing the boundaries of how architecture is communicated in the digital age.