Architectural Cases

Le Labo's Daikanyama store, the brand's pioneering location outside the United States, has undergone its first extensive refurbishment in 18 years. This significant renovation, spearheaded by Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka, was driven by a core objective: to integrate the intricate process of fresh fragrance blending more prominently into the store's physical environment. Simultaneously, the design sought to ensure the boutique's aesthetic resonated with and seamlessly enhanced the distinctive Tokyo streetscape it inhabits. This project underscores a careful balance between showcasing artisanal craft and maintaining a strong sense of place, creating a unique retail experience.

The collaborative effort between Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka on the Le Labo Daikanyama renovation represents a thoughtful reinterpretation of the brand's identity within a pivotal retail space. By placing the craft of fragrance creation at the forefront of the spatial design, the architects have not only revitalized an established location but also deepened its connection to both the brand's ethos and its urban surroundings. The 115 square meter space, completed in 2025, reflects a contemporary approach to retail that values transparency, engagement, and a harmonious relationship with its cultural context in Shibuya, Japan.

Reimagining the Fragrance Experience

The recent renovation of Le Labo's Daikanyama boutique, a collaborative project by Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka, fundamentally redefines the customer interaction with fragrance. This update, the first in 18 years for the brand's inaugural international location, aimed to bring the artisanal process of scent creation to the forefront of the retail experience. The design consciously integrates the craft of fresh fragrance blending into the physical space, fostering a transparent and engaging environment where customers can witness and appreciate the meticulous work involved. This approach elevates the act of purchasing a fragrance from a simple transaction to an immersive journey, emphasizing the unique, hand-blended nature of each product. The architectural vision ensures that the store, while showcasing a global brand, remains deeply connected to its Tokyo setting.

At the heart of the Le Labo Daikanyama renovation lies a dedication to celebrating the artistry behind each fragrance. The refreshed interior, a testament to the combined creative efforts of Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka, provides a stage for the brand's commitment to fresh blending. Every element of the design, from the layout of the display areas to the materials chosen, contributes to a narrative that highlights authenticity and craftsmanship. This thoughtful integration of production into the retail environment allows visitors to observe the perfumers at work, creating a sense of connection and understanding that goes beyond the typical commercial exchange. The architects successfully transformed the 115 square meter space into a vibrant hub where tradition meets modern retail, perfectly balancing Le Labo's distinct identity with the dynamic urban fabric of Tokyo.

Integrating into Tokyo's Urban Fabric

The redesign of Le Labo Daikanyama by Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka placed significant emphasis on ensuring the boutique’s seamless integration into the vibrant Tokyo streetscape. Recognizing Daikanyama's unique character, the architects meticulously crafted an aesthetic that respects and complements the local environment, moving beyond a standard retail interior. This careful consideration for the surrounding urban context is evident in the choice of materials, the store's visual openness, and its overall architectural language, allowing the 115 square meter space to feel like an organic extension of Shibuya rather than a foreign insertion.

Beyond merely updating the interior, the collaboration between Schemata Architects and Jo Nagasaka sought to establish a dialogue between the Le Labo brand and the distinctive charm of Daikanyama. The renovation ensures that the storefront and interior elements harmoniously coexist with the neighborhood's architectural style and pedestrian flow. The result is a retail space that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted, offering visitors a unique sensory experience that is enhanced by its connection to the cultural and visual landscape of Tokyo. This strategic integration not only elevates the store's appeal but also reinforces Le Labo's commitment to creating bespoke experiences that are as much about location as they are about product.

Construction has commenced on a significant new cultural hub in Piraeus, Greece, envisioned to become an international focal point for arts and culture. This ambitious undertaking, led by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in partnership with Betaplan Architects from Athens and landscape architect Camille Muller from Paris, is commissioned by The Dinos and Lia Martinos Foundation (DLMF). The project, named KYKLOS, aims to enrich the urban and cultural fabric of the Athens metropolitan area by offering a vibrant space for contemporary art collections and diverse cultural programs with a global perspective. Since its initiation in 2023, the development has been steadily progressing, with completion anticipated by late 2028.

The KYKLOS Centre for Arts and Cultures is designed to be a dynamic venue for exploring global contemporary art through both physical exhibitions and digital interactions. Strategically located near the Neo Faliro electric train station, the center emphasizes a seamless integration of architecture and natural landscapes, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in art, education, and community life. The design prioritizes open and accessible spaces, featuring indoor galleries alongside expansive open-air areas, thus fostering a civic and cultural gathering place. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop's design philosophy for KYKLOS underscores spatial clarity, environmental responsibility, and a strong civic presence, envisioning the center as a vital local resource and a key node in an international network of art institutions.

The architectural concept positions the building as a sanctuary for art, nestled within a Mediterranean garden. Fully glazed exhibition spaces offer views of a major avenue to the west and a serene garden to the east. The interplay of architectural elements and lush vegetation creates a filtered natural light environment, seamlessly blending the building with its urban and natural surroundings. A substantial portion, approximately 62%, of the site is dedicated to public green spaces meticulously designed by Camille Muller, facilitating a gentle transition between the center and the city while contributing positively to the urban ecosystem. Internally, a flexible layout allows for a wide array of exhibitions, events, and educational activities to coexist and evolve, emphasizing transparency in both visual connections and functional flow to enhance the visitor experience. Beyond its permanent and rotating exhibitions, KYKLOS will host an array of lectures, screenings, and digital programs, significantly expanding its cultural and educational outreach.

This initiative represents a profound commitment to fostering cultural exchange and community engagement through innovative architectural design. By creating a welcoming and environmentally integrated space, KYKLOS is set to inspire, educate, and connect people, promoting a deeper appreciation for the arts and contributing to the vibrant cultural dialogue of Greece and beyond.