IDPA Japan Design Award

Plastic Box “Supermarket Akelarre”

by Minimal Studio

Project Description

Plastic Box is a masterpiece of minimalist brutalism. Located in an urban setting, this space redefines the shopping experience through bold aesthetics and innovative functionality.
Conceived as a concrete shell with straight lines and geometric volumes, it conveys a sense of strength and permanence. The facades lack ornamentation, while the entrances are strategically designed as dark portals that contrast with the interior lighting.
The most distinctive element is the ceiling, composed of over a thousand plastic boxes arranged in a modular, meticulously aligned pattern. Each box, recycled from industrial plastics, filters light through its interwoven textures, creating a play of geometric shadows that shift with the time of day and light intensity. Beyond being an architectural statement, these boxes are functional: they house LED lighting systems, concealed ventilation, and rainwater collectors.
The supermarket's interior continues the minimalist commercial approach. Steel shelving pairs with polished concrete floors, while the checkout counters are designed as sculptural blocks. Indirect lighting highlights carefully curated products, emphasizing each item with the effect of its own shadow.
From the ceiling boxes to the counters, much of the design repurposes materials originally intended for an entirely different use, subverting their aesthetics and functionality.

Minimal Studio


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