Abstraction of Function

For a fine paper showroom, we took the concept of the shop itself serving as a paper sample book. The space emphasizes paper storage drawers that function as the iconic “sample book.” The drawers were meticulously designed through detailed testing with a full-scale mock-up to ensure the easy loading and unloading of paper. For example, round holes in the baseplate allow users to lift the paper with their fingertips. At the start of the planning process, the interior’s U-shaped layout—divided into left and right sections—was envisioned as a square, flat space that extended seamlessly into the exterior. However, the space inside the building was divided by structural walls, and the perimeter was not flat, due to stairs and equipment. Such irregularities were resolved by assigning areas for back-of-house functions and other elements. This approach, combined with the visual rhythm of the ostensibly flat drawers, enhanced both the aesthetics and operational functionality of the space. The interplay between the drawer system and the linear lighting running beneath the structure creates a cohesive plane that unifies the space. This design minimizes shadows, establishing a “background space” that defers to the paper, ensuring it remains the focal point. For the materials, “conventional” basswood was selected. While described as “common,” it might be better understood as “ordinary,” akin to Kent paper or copy paper in the context of materials. The arrangement of approximately 1,500 drawers throughout the space gives it a light, refined quality. Ultimately, the design achieves an “abstraction of function,” where form and utility harmoniously converge.