The Japanese architect Kengo Kuma returns to work with Camper. Four years after presenting his first store for Camper in Via Montenapoleone, in Milan (2014), he adds to the proposals of Alfredo Häberli, Benedetta Tagliabue, Jaime Hayón, Konstantin Grcic or the Bouroullec brothers among others. The architect has made a design based on curved ceramic pieces, the products recover all the protagonism individually and a unique bond between the ceramic culture of the Mediterranean and the Japanese is established.
"We were interested in the idea of showing each item separately, with its own space, to return attention to the products. To do this, we devised a system based on ceramic tiles similar to tiles used on roofs. Both Japan and Spain are countries with a deep-rooted tradition in this type of architectural elements, although they are manufactured in very different ways: in Japan, the tiles are varnished and acquire a glossy finish, while in the Mediterranean they are left uncoated, for that show their original texture. That difference seemed very interesting to us and the project was the ideal occasion to deepen in that aspect.
These ceramic elements, arranged as niches to expose the articles, have a very simple shape. However, the amount of pieces that the space has offers a sense of complexity. With them the walls, the shelves, the counter of the box or the sidewalk for the clients are built. There is no other ornamental presence apart from these natural ceramic elements. It is exciting to be able to use such a traditional material and find innovative ways to elaborate and shape it, combining different pieces to create architectural elements that can satisfy the needs of contemporary life".
These ceramic elements, arranged as niches to expose the articles, have a very simple shape. However, the amount of pieces that the space has offers a sense of complexity. With them the walls, the shelves, the counter of the box or the sidewalk for the clients are built. There is no other ornamental presence apart from these natural ceramic elements. It is exciting to be able to use such a traditional material and find innovative ways to elaborate and shape it, combining different pieces to create architectural elements that can satisfy the needs of contemporary life".
Kengo Kuma and Associates
