KEENTachikawa

KEEN Tachikawa is a hair salon in which curved surfaces, mirrored reflections and lines of light overlap within a restrained palette of white and grey.

A gently curving reception counter leads into a sequence of styling stations. Mirrors extend the view, while changes in floor level and lighting give the shampoo area a quieter character.

Different functions are linked through a consistent use of colour and material.

Three approaches guided the photography: graphic compositions that bring form into focus; depth created by overlapping spatial layers; and an atmosphere conveyed through materials, relationships and detail.

The challenge was to preserve the subtle contours within an almost entirely white interior. The undulating wall, white like the ceiling, would flatten under uniform light. Daylight from the continuous windows, softened by irregularly positioned roller screens, creates delicate gradations that reveal its relief and rhythm.

Only selected artificial lights were switched on to place accents within the natural light. The texture of concrete, the edges of stainless steel and softer shadows from greenery could retain their individual qualities without losing the room’s overall calm.

In the waiting area, principles from studio product lighting were applied to the available daylight. Furniture was photographed in near-backlight through the roller screens, defining the volume of each chair and table while the undulating wall remained softly graduated in the background.

Furniture spacing was also adjusted slightly during the shoot, preventing outlines from merging unnecessarily. Each piece could be read clearly in relation to the others, while the intent of the overall interior composition remained intact.

The curves of the reception and the lines of ceiling light were photographed graphically. At the styling stations, diagonal lines, mirrors and receding edges were organised so foreground elements, furnishings and deeper spaces formed successive layers rather than competing for attention.

Close views of the wall relief, changes in flooring and the fine edges of metal add tactile details to the larger views. Together, graphic compositions, spatial depth and close observation convey the atmosphere between the objects as well as the objects themselves.