Architecture firm Kamitopen devised a clever design solution for Majimaya, a confectionary tool shop in Tokyo. The Majimaya brand is best known for their cookie cutters—of which they have a lot. On top of which, being in Tokyo, the multi-floor store has a narrow footprint. Architects Masahiro Yoshida and Yoshie Ishii tackled the challenges gamely.

"There are 3,000 different types of cookie-cutter that we had to display. A layout was required that allowed the customer to see all of them smoothly and that placed no stress on the staff. In addition, there is a problem in that the space is centered around an atrium. The basement and second floor are thus not effective spaces for a shop. We needed to solve the problem in a limited space."

"Our solution: Evacuation stairs surrounded by protective chain-link fencing, off of which hang 3,000 cookie-cutters in the center of the building. We then arranged 3,000 tin boxes on the sides of the stairs. Each display cookie-cutter has a number, which corresponds with a number on the tin boxes where the customer can select the stock themselves."

"In addition, during the planning of the building, all floors were connected by split-level floors. While choosing molds, customers are guided to move up and down subconsciously. This solved the space's unique problems."

Kamitopen's design of the Majimaya Confectionery Tool Store won Gold in this year's International Design Excellence Awards, in the Environments category.