Tsutaya Books by Klein Dytham Architecture, Tokyo

Located in Tokyo’s up-scale Daikanyama shopping district, the site of Tsutaya Books combines three low-slung elegant pavilions providing a smooth integration of the interior and landscaped outdoors within a relaxed village-like setting. The ’library-in-a-forest’ design concept was created by Tokyo-based British architects Klein Dytham Architects who won the design commission from a star-studded list of 70 Japanese architects

(Image credit: press)

All eyes were on Japan's leading book, music and movie retail giant, Tsutaya, as the doors to T-site - promising a new vision of the future of retailing - opened in Tokyo in mid-December. The innovative new-generation complex has already confounded the recent dismal trend of bookstore closures with its creative combination of classic and cutting edge shopping, dining and entertainment with exceptional design.

Located in Tokyo's up-scale Daikanyama shopping district, the site combines three low-slung elegant pavilions connected via a 'magazine street' providing a smooth integration of the interior and landscaped outdoors within a relaxed village-like setting. The 'library-in-a-forest' design concept was created by Tokyo-based British architects Klein Dytham Architects who won the design commission from a star-studded list of 70 Japanese architects thanks largely to their witty reflection of the well-known eponymous brand in the T-inspired site layout, building shape and distinctive logo-perforated screen facade.

'We were not the favourites to win the design competition,' says Kda founder Mark Dytham, 'but integrating the brand into the very fabric of the site and structure appealed to Tsutaya's owner, Muneaki Masuda, who wanted to do something completely different. This is also the case with the interiors, for which we worked closely together to create a new cultural experience.'

Interior view of Tsutaya Books featuring wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, cuboid style ceiling lights, floor lamps and dark wood display and shelving units filled with items

Masuda delisted the company from the Tokyo Stock Exchange so he would have complete freedom over the design and content of the project. Happily, the result is an enticing showcase of Tsutaya's art, design, fashion and travel books and magazines, together with a luxury convenience store and a jazz club bar lounge, all with an unusually spacious and curated feel.

The complementary blend of old and new from print to digital media is seamless: RIFID tagged books and DVDs, iPads, DVDs burnt onto disc while you wait, self-service check out consoles, and people tracking are satisfyingly efficient but unobtrusive. Sandblasted wooden flooring, retro leather furniture, and an interesting selection of vinyl and classic artworks together with highly experienced staff (there is even a dedicated in-house travel concierge) are reassuringly familiar.

Interior view of the Anjin lounge bar featuring wood flooring, a skylight, spotlights, pillars with a reflective surface, wall-mounted shelving filled with items, framed wall art, lamps, grey chairs and a bar counter made up of stacked books

A hammered-steel central staircase created by Japanese craftsmen provides a statement entrance to the upstairs Anjin lounge bar and performance space with its vast selection of vintage design magazines and books. KDA's sure handed design is again evident here with their bespoke book-lined bar and tables.

Elsewhere, custom-designed displays like floor-to-ceiling glass towers displaying beautifully crafted pens and the stylish graphics by Muji art director Kenya Hara transform the shopping experience.

Closer exterior view of Tsutaya Books - glass front buildings with white logo-perforated screen facades and a walkway with multiple trees under a clear blue sky

The architects were chosen by Tsutaya’s owner, Muneaki Masuda for their witty reflection of the well-known eponymous brand in the T-inspired site layout, building shape and distinctive logo-perforated screen facade

(Image credit: press)

Interior view of Tsutaya Books featuring wood flooring, a dark coloured hammered steel staircase, white walls, pillars and shelving units filled with books — A hammered-steel central staircase created by Japanese craftsmen provides a statement entrance to the upstairs Anjin lounge bar. KDA’s sure-handed design is again evident here with their bespoke book-lined bar and tables

Interior view of the Anjin lounge bar featuring wood flooring, a brown rug, black pendant lights, spotlights, a pillar with a reflective surface, wall-mounted shelving filled with items, framed wall art, a floor lamp, a wooden table, chairs and a bar counter made up of stacked books — The result is an enticing showcase of Tsutaya’s art, design, fashion and travel books and magazines, together with a luxury convenience store and a jazz club bar lounge, all with an unusually spacious and curated feel. The Anjin lounge bar is also a performance space and comprises a vast selection of vintage design magazines and books

Interior view of Tsutaya Books featuring brown patterned carpet, windows, dark wood shelving units filled with records and an area with speakers and other music equipment — An interesting selection of vinyl and classic artworks together with highly experienced staff (there is even a dedicated in-house travel concierge) is reassuringly familiar

Interior view of Tsutaya Books featuring wood flooring, dark coloured leather seating, side tables made up of stacked books, lamps, wall art and wall-mounted shelving filled with items — Retro leather furniture, along with custom-designed displays transform the shopping experience. The complementary blend of old and new from print to digital media is seamless: RIFID tagged books and DVDs, iPads while you wait, self-service check out consoles and people tracking are satisfyingly efficient but unobtrusive

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Catherine Shaw is a writer, editor and consultant specialising in architecture and design. She has written and contributed to over ten books, including award-winning monographs on art collector and designer Alan Chan, and on architect William Lim's Asian design philosophy. She has also authored books on architect André Fu, on Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, and on Beijing-based OPEN Architecture's most significant cultural projects across China.