5. A simply fabulous revamp at Louis Vuitton Ginza Namiki, Tokyo

Need some radical renovation inspiration? This transformation of the Louis Vuitton Ginza Namiki store in Tokyo’s Ginza district shows what can be done in an ambitious upgrade of an existing retail location.

Re-imagined via an aesthetic dialogue between virtuoso architects Jun Aoki and Peter Marino, Louis Vuitton Ginza Namiki has become a new, naturalistic tower that inspires wonder both outside and within. Located on the corner site that has been occupied by Louis Vuitton since 1981, the building evokes reflections of water, with smooth, undulating surfaces – from the glass façade that transmits shifting colour to the show-stopping staircase – throughout.

Composed of two layers of glass, Jun Aoki’s façade is, he says, his representation of a “pillar of water.” Almost seamless, the outer panes curve and ripple, with their mesmerising, three-dimensional surface enhanced by a dichroic film that produces endless colour variations. Inside, Peter Marino’s interior design emphasises the building’s organic aesthetic with a central staircase that unfurls like a ribbon – albeit one made of sculpted oak bordered by glass. As clients move through the store, they will notice curving counters and ceiling panels that further add to the overall sense of flow, with rounded furniture in light nuances of wood and glass by Morten Stenbaek and Isamu Noguchi adding to the effect.

The final layer is colour: from Pierre Paulin and Stefan Leo furnishings in acidic hues to artworks by Ed Moses,

Vik Muniz and Zhang He, bold shades infuse the store with energy. Pink and orange predominate on the women’s floor; saturated shades of red, turquoise and lime on the men’s floor; and a mix of muted and pop accents enlivens the private salons. louisvuitton.com