Designed by Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio (TYS), an interdisciplinary collective based in Kobe, Japan, and Arles, France, the Awajishima Scent Artist Showroom is a true dedication to austerity, reflecting the dedicated spirit of scent artist Kan Izumi.
Within this modest space, the purity of design aligns with Izumi's lifelong devotion to the craft of olfactory creation. The showroom, poised amidst the serene beauty of Awajishima's hills and verdant expanses, establishes an intimate dialogue with the natural environment. Its interiors are marked by stark lines, walls of earthy hues, and terracotta tiles that harmonize with the outdoor tableau. Here, design elements are stripped back to their essence, directing attention solely to the nuanced art of scent. Each fragrance, a concentrated expression of nature's intricate layers, invites visitors on an exploratory journey of the senses.
In this space, ornamentation is forsaken to foreground the raw eloquence of aroma. The intentional restraint in design fosters a meditative atmosphere where the language of scent speaks with unspoken depth. The showroom's tranquil milieu is a deliberate canvas for Kan Izumi's olfactory art, where the minimalistic ethos not only shows reverence but also amplifies the presence of each crafted scent.
Kan Izumi, an artist of sensory revitalization, delves into works that transform physical sensation. Since 2011, after contributing to scent-based designs for high-end hotels and diverse retail spaces, Izumi shifted focus to his artistry. Residing on Awaji Island since 2017, he adopts a holistic approach to scent-making, overseeing every stage from cultivation to distillation and final blending.
TYS stands at the forefront of borderless design, merging multiple creative domains with a narrative-driven, experimental approach. The studio's work spans from tactile objects to spatial experiences, balancing emotive storytelling with rigorous material study. In every endeavor, from a simple teacup to the complex narrative of a scent or the ambiance of a dining space, TYS infuses a modern, timeless aesthetic that transcends conventional design boundaries.
