INTERIOR DESIGN

When nine hours Kita-Shinjuku was originally completed in 2017, I was involved in its interior design as a member of Nakamura Design Office. For this renovation, the overall organization of the hotel was retained: guests enter on the first floor and proceed to the reception and lounge on the eighth floor; floors 3–6 contain the locker and sleeping areas, while the seventh floor houses the shower area. The original interiors of floors 3–7 were restored, while the eighth-floor lounge was completely redesigned.

LOUNGE CONCEPT

nine hours embraces the idea of “Sleep, by Design,” with sleep technology playing an important role in its approach to sleep. For the eighth-floor lounge, the aim was to create a comfortable environment that could ultimately contribute to better sleep.

The design began by introducing four walls into what had previously been an open, single-room space, dividing it into distinct areas (Diagram 1). Each area was then further defined by low walls (Diagram 2), while carefully maintaining a sense of openness and avoiding excessive enclosure (Diagram 3).

The resulting plan is open along its long axis, allowing views to extend toward the full-height openings on both sides. Along the shorter axis, the space becomes more enclosed, with wood used as a visual focal point to bring warmth and comfort (Diagram 4 / Plan).

From open seating to more enclosed settings, the lounge offers a variety of places and ways to spend time. My hope is that spending time in this space brings greater comfort and relaxation, ultimately leading to better sleep.

Nearly ten years after the original completion, I am very grateful for the opportunity to return to this project and update both its function and space for the present day.