sk-II Tokyo Olympics Pavilion
The SK-II Olympics Pavilion took guests on a journey through custom AR experiences and immersive brand moments, and the retail store was meant to be a worthy finale. My task was to transform a compact ~20'×35' footprint into a space that could handle high foot traffic while maintaining the sense of discovery that defined the rest of the pavilion. The core challenge was to sustain the energy and curiosity built up by the AR experience, and carry it all the way through to the point of sale.
Starting in plan view allowed for rapid iteration across layout options and programmatic arrangements. Early schemes over-indexed on point of sale, shortchanging discovery and product engagement. The final concept centered the discovery and checkout zone, creating a natural circulation loop where every program element like testing, display, and sale, was within easy reach. Visitors moved through a purposeful sequence rather than drifting, which translated directly to longer dwell time.
Moving into 3D early gives both designer and client a shared, legible view of the space, how element sizes relate, whether focal points are landing, and how well the brand is reading from any given vantage. Through successive iterations, the interior gained more branded moments, richer product displays, and stronger visual cohesion, all while keeping a thread of Olympic energy running through the space.
As the concept solidified, we could show the client exactly how the space read from every angle. The final store guided visitors through a clear, engaging sequence that turned casual foot traffic into genuine brand discovery, introducing SK-II's product range to audiences who might otherwise have walked right past.
Built store and pavilion in Tokyo