When design began in February 2008, I asked the client "who benefits photography?" From that moment I started thinking about a possible answer. [Location] Ohana photo studio is in the city of Kadoma, between Osaka and Kyoto, next to Mount Ikoma. Arriving to the station of Kayashima, Ohana is about three minutes after walking down the alley of a residential area. [Plan] On first floor, we designed a reception without a meeting counter, like it was "the living room of a friend with good taste". The front door, yellow like the logo of the photo studio, has a round window that children can use if they want to peek inside. On second floor, the studio has a ceiling height of 3.5m. Windows of various shapes were opened, so that during photographing session also natural light could be used. Layout was conceived seeking a balance between needed amount of light, background and playful children. Imagining various settings, we decided carefully positions and heights of bench and openings facing south: parents watch over their children; the subject of a photography looks outside resting his elbow; a member of the staff drinks tea. [Sunny days] Setting back the building as much as possible, we created a front garden. We determined the west boundary between the studio and the houses in the adjoining lots with an elliptical array of pillars. Gently interrupting reciprocal sights, it allows creating a relaxed space that in days of good weather can become an external photographic set. "Let's go out on a sunny day": this place is nothing else but the materialization of a desire. [Who benefits] In an era of digital cameras and smartphones, something can still be experienced only in a photo studio, something that it's not only about photography, time, physical experience and atmosphere. In the business card of our client, a photographer, there's written: "We take pictures that feel natural, with happiness." Searching for the name of the studio, came out "ohana", that in Hawaiian language means "family, team". Maybe this is the answer to the question.

Year 2009

Work started in 2008

Work finished in 2009

Status Completed works

Type Showrooms/Shops