A group of people who share a "way of life" beyond design. The place where masters and students have arrived | CREATIVE CLASS

Store Tour: Experience the overwhelming impact of a "masterpiece created over 1.5 years."

Located in a quiet corner of Musashino CitySTAYFUL LIFE STORE" is a shop that combines lifestyle goods, coffee, a photography studio, and a rental space. The moment you step inside, the atmosphere changes. This place was originally a supermarket, and Mr. Noda and his staff spent a year and a half fully renovating it to create this space.

The most distinctive feature of this space is,A thorough DIY spirit that "doesn't allow the option of choosing from ready-made products."It is located in [location]. Almost everything, from the walls and counters to the plumbing and even the doors, was built by the staff themselves. The only things they outsourced were the air conditioning and the bathroom, which require specialized skills. What was particularly impressive was the studio, which was built with a focus on soundproofing. They built the door frames themselves, and even for something as small as the gaps at the bottom of the doors where sound tends to leak, they went through repeated trial and error to implement countermeasures.

This attention to detail is also reflected in the unique "vintage feel" that permeates the entire space. Instead of simply placing old items, they meticulously maintain British vintage furniture themselves, and even craft new fixtures to blend seamlessly with the vintage aesthetic.In an era where you can create something without deep research, the gritty persistence of deliberately taking the time and effort is what matters.That is precisely what Mr. Noda has been advocating throughout the course.This embodies a style that transforms vague feelings into a compelling common language.That was it.

"Continuously evolving colors" extracted from granite.

Even when it comes to the wall color, there's no compromise. We selected colors from our favorite granite and created a custom blend of three beige shades to make up the entire space.

Furthermore, I was amazed by their maintenance system, which involves the entire staff repainting this wall every year at the end of the year.It's not about completing it once and being done with it; it's about continuously updating and nurturing the space with our own hands as we use it.That DIY spirit gave this place a sense of vitality.

Social Gathering: Co-creating a "way of life" beyond design

As night deepened, the get-together began with drinks in hand. Reflecting on the past three months, the conversation progressed to deeper discussions about "ways of life."

Are we trapped in "commonplace methods"?

"I was just using expressions commonly used in web design without thinking, and Mr. Noda told me, 'You shouldn't do that...'" one student recalls the course with a wry smile.

"I think it's fine as long as it's your own original idea."It's fine if it's just one of 100 options, but it's a waste if that's the only one you know.That's what I thought." (Noda)
"I realized during the course that my proposals were just the same old thing, just listing information," another student added. "Some clients won't be moved by the same approach."We need to change our communication style depending on the client.He said that this made him realize it once again.

The more you dig, the more interesting it becomes. Client settings with meticulous attention to detail.

The final output for this course is a rebranding proposal for a fictional client. While orientation materials are typically the first information shared in design assignments, Mr. Noda prepared...Extensive client materials, including those anticipating realistic interviews.This includes the company's origins, its core values, employee interviews, and even the formative experiences that led to the start of the business.

"Actually, I've laid the groundwork for this in various places. That client," Noda began, starting to reveal the backstory of the project."The more you dig, the more new information pops up like a trap."The setting was so meticulously crafted that it seemed as if it were a real company, leaving the students in awe.

"The request didn't explicitly state how far they wanted us to go, but the materials subtly mentioned the areas where the client was having trouble. I was looking forward to seeing who would pick up on those details," Noda revealed with a boyish expression. Upon hearing this explanation, the students exclaimed in surprise, "We were being thoroughly tested...!"

Unconscious constraints disguised as "componentization"

The sharp feedback given during the course was also discussed again. Regarding one student's design, Mr. Noda asked, "Isn't this componentized?" This wasn't just a technical observation, but rather...If componentization is done too early, you can become trapped by existing types and frameworks, and it becomes difficult to break free.That was the message.

"First, draw freehand, without being distracted by other thoughts, until you are satisfied. You can do the 'tidying up' work, such as information design and organization, after that." (Noda)

Before resorting to logic or efficiency, he honed his physical senses and continued working with his hands until he was satisfied. At the heart of this tenacity was the fundamental principle of craftsmanship that Mr. Noda cherishes.

"It's only natural that a place becomes beautiful if you put beautiful things there. We live in an era where such places and things are abundant."It is only when you can see the trial and error process that the individual's beauty truly shines.That's what I think."

What they gained through the course was not simply how to follow trends or efficient production techniques.Instead of simply following the "right answer" that abounds in the world, the question is how to translate the "will" that springs from within yourself into your designs, even if it's clumsy.The DIY spirit of that store renovation, where they painted the walls until they achieved the desired texture and even made the fixtures themselves, was definitely connected to this project.

Noda's origins: forging a path from a "negative" position.

Why does Mr. Noda insist so much on "doing it himself" and approach things with such overwhelming passion? The origin of this lies in his journey, which was by no means smooth.

Having survived in harsh environments where there was nothing, or even worse, and earned his place through his own skills, his design philosophy is not merely about skills.How to survive the gritty realities and how to design your own life."..." Touching upon that almost wild creativity, the students' perspectives were also greatly elevated.

Meeting a lifelong "friend" with whom you can laugh off even your failures.

The greatest asset I gained through this course was,More than design knowledge, it's the "bond of camaraderie" where you can be completely open with each other.maybe.

During our casual conversation that day, we all laughed and shared stories about horrific work-related troubles that most people would want to hide, as well as embarrassing on-site failures that left us speechless. It was because Mr. Noda was the first to openly show his weaknesses and past that the students also...To expose my "uncool side" and face myself as an individual.We were able to do that. Even after school ended, we continued to go see exhibitions together and support each other in new challenges. Such multi-layered relationships continue,This is not just a place to learn; it's a place where people can connect on an honest level, as Mr. Noda describes his relationship with the students as that of "buddies."I think that's why.

In conclusion: Be yourself and grow together

Just like the renovated store, the relationship that follows will also be nurtured with time and effort.

The moment we met face-to-face and shared drinks. What we shared there was...More than design techniques, these are hints for proactively building your own life.That might have been the case.

Instead of choosing a pre-packaged life, they think for themselves, take action, and reshape their lives together with their friends. I can't wait to see what kind of scenery they will share in the future.