By Mae Chan | Oct 6, 2009

Yuhkichi Kawai – A True Designer

While his name might be unfamiliar to us, his design works here in Malaysia have placed us on par with some of the world’s most sophisticated establishments, attracting worldwide attention.

His latest project in Malaysia is the Lot 10 rooftop makeover, with the theme “Forest in the City”, is set to launch officially on 10th October. Additionally, he also designed Lot 10 Hutong, the world’s first heritage gourmet village in the mall.

Interestingly enough, Kawai graduated with a law degree and had meant to enter the legal profession, but circumstances and a recommendation from a friend eventually led him to interior designing, where he began pursuing his true passion.

“I had transitioned between many jobs, even became a salesman at one point in my life, but I wanted to do something that I can enjoy and interior design allows me to.”

First Designs in Malaysia
While honing his skills under the guidance of Takashi Sugimoto, director of the renowned Super Potato interior design firm, Kawai collaborated with YTL Corporation Berhad and its managing director Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh when he designed the Shook! Restaurant at Starhill Gallery’s Feast Village.

“After I had started my own firm, YTL gave me my first big project in designing the Feast Village at Starhill Gallery,” recalls the humble designer, who with his own ID firm Design Spirits, had since produced an impressive portfolio of high profile shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels all over Japan.

However, it was not all smooth sailing after that. “Unexpectedly, things slowed down again after the Feast Village was opened,” said Kawai. Nevertheless, his remarkable work eventually gained the attention of the people.

Lot 10 “Forest in the City” Rooftop Concept
The brilliant realisation of the green concept rooftop by YTL had led Kawai to helm the project.

The aim was to create a simple and modern design that would appeal especially to the trendy young urbanites that Tan Sri Dato’ Francis Yeoh referred to as the “Greenagers” of the new generation, with an open green park area that will maximise the view and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.

Seksan Design worked together with Kawai to realise this concept, with Seksan designing the landscape and greenery while Kawai took charge of ID. According to Kawai, this concept is quite rare, as it is not just a green park area, but rather a refreshing combination of city and forest living to promote a healthy lifestyle and the good life.

Probably the first of its kind in Malaysia, this project was a challenge to design.

“There are many risks involved in building on the rooftop. We had to be careful of the weight of each structure, plants that might need too much water and soil, and also to consider the wind force,” said Kawai, who nevertheless enjoyed the experience.

The landscape design is more natural and minimalistic, containing a grassy area in the middle with modern lights, neatly planted trees and surrounding hanging garden walls built onto the structures that add a distinct wild jungle feel.

Continue Reading: More Designs from Yuhkichi Kawai