Dec 1, 2026
LOT-EK lectures at RIT Vignelli Center, Rochester
concept & vision
the shop experience centers a large existing structural column. Rather than treating it as an obstruction, the columns inspires the idea of a carrousel in which all pieces work in concert. A massive steel mechanism – nicknamed “the monster” – is customized and fabricated to fit around the column, and serves as the anchor for all primary retail functions, allowing the shop to fully maximize its interior footprint
design & architecture
we wrap a new 3-story building with a mesh façade that serves a dual purpose: it provides an unifying skin for the entire building while also acting as a billboard, allowing the designer to display rotating imagery inspired by that season’s collection
program & use
like a giant Swiss Army Knife, the monster’s 28 steel arms house 2 fitting rooms, a checkout register, 8 dress forms, 10 display cases, 6 hanging displays and a projector. The fitting rooms create special moments within the shop. Each room’s total surface area features imagery and sound that evokes the brand’s muse and inspiration, California and cinema
impact & significance
a California experience meets the skill and precision of Japanese construction, through a different use of the road case system and the embrace of the central column - finding virtue in a potential obstacle
