In 2008, Junya Ishigami redefined the boundaries of retail architecture with his design for Yohji Yamamoto’s boutique on the angular intersection of Gansevoort and West 13th Streets in New York City.
Occupying a narrow triangular plot, the project introduces a dynamic pedestrian experience while encapsulating the ethos of Yamamoto’s avant-garde aesthetic. By splitting the building into two distinct volumes, Ishigami transforms the urban fabric, carving a pedestrian passage that seamlessly connects two streets while framing the boutique’s glass facades.
The structure’s angular geometry and its curving taper respond thoughtfully to the constraints and opportunities of the site. Its triadic design integrates the pedestrian slice into the city’s rhythm, offering an urban shortcut that redefines the block's accessibility. The transparent facades create an interplay between interior and exterior, inviting passersby to engage with the space while amplifying Yamamoto's vision of fluidity and minimalism. This project is not merely an architectural statement but a vivid dialogue with the city, embodying the intersection of commerce, fashion, and public space.
