Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo by Shinjiro Heshiki

Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo by Shinjiro Heshiki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronza A' Design Award in Dezajno de Interna Spaco kaj Ekspozicio Competition Category.

BronzoInterno· 2026

Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo

by Shinjiro Heshiki

Client: Runva Company Inc.

Bronza A' Design Award Winner in Interno Category

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The Design

About Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo

Urban Banyan estas la interna dezajno de bakejo-kafejo en la urbo Naha, Okinavo. La spaco centriĝas ĉirkaŭ skulptaĵa banjano, kiu mezuras 6000 mm larĝe kaj 3600 mm alte. La skulptaĵo kombinas latajn tabulojn, morteron kaj artan stukaĵon, dum malpezaj 3D-presitaj rezinaj elementoj formas la branĉojn kaj plenumas la regulojn pri fajrosekureco. Ekstera signaĵo ne estis permesita, do la 14,5-metra vitra fasado portas 3 mm akrilajn panelojn presitajn kun duontravideblaj folioj. Malantaŭa lumigado transformas la butikfronton en varman lanternon dumnokte.

The Recognition

About the Bronza A' Design Award

Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo estas gajninto de la Bronza A' Design Award, tre prestiĝa rekono donata al elstaraj dezajnoj distingitaj per kreemo, ingenieco kaj sagaco. La Bronzaj gajnintoj estas abunde lertaj kaj frape kreemaj artefaktoj, kiuj aŭtentikigas la vastan sperton, imagpovon kaj elturniĝemon de siaj dezajnistoj. Oni atendas, ke Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo estu tre estimata, admirata kaj ŝatata objekto, kiu estas rimarkinde profesia kaj nova. Ĉi tiu dezajno gajninta la Bronzan A' Design Award enkorpigas plej bonajn praktikojn en arto, scienco, dezajno kaj teknologio, kaj estas bonega pro sia atento al detaloj. Urban Banyan Interna Dezajno de Bakejo-Kafejo bonege kontentigas bezonojn, tuŝas dezirojn, ĉarmas sentojn kaj allogas scivolemon.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Centered around a sculptural Banyan tree, this interior blends art and architecture to provide emotional comfort. Embracing the aesthetic of light and shadow, it creates a serene atmosphere. Overcoming strict exterior signage bans, the glass storefront functions as a City Lantern. Semi-transparent leaf prints on acrylic project a warm, organic glow onto the street at night, serving as an architectural beacon without violating building codes.
Dimensions & Packaging: Banyan Tree Artwork: 6000 mm (W) x 3600 mm (H). Acrylic Print Panels: 14500 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H).
Tags: bakery cafe, spatial design, banyan tree, organic interior, lantern facade, light and shadow, digital fabrication, mortar craft, japanese design, okinawa
Production Technology: To meet fire codes, the banyan sculpture uses a hybrid of lath boards, mortar, and artistic plaster. Complex branches integrate lightweight 3D-printed resin to reduce load. The 14.5m window features 3mm acrylic panels with semi-transparent leaf prints. Backlit for a lantern effect, it leverages western exposure, creating a dramatic interplay between the interior and twilight.
Design Challenge: Due to tenant restrictions, no exterior signage was permitted. To overcome this limitation, the design reimagined the entire window surface as a glowing lantern visible from the street, creating both a signature presence and cost efficiency without breaching the building facade rules.
Research: Research focused on material innovation to balance art with strict fire safety. We developed a lightweight structure integrating 3D-printed resin components and noncombustible mortar. We also explored reversible attachment mechanisms for the long-span acrylic window panels. This demonstrates a sustainable approach to large-scale indoor art installations, merging traditional crafts with digital fabrication.
Inspiration: In the concrete jungle of Naha City, this design reintroduces the primal comfort of nature. Inspired by the Okinawan Banyan tree (Gajumaru), revered in folklore as the abode of spirits, the space serves as a modern sanctuary. The concept visualizes the invisible 'Life Force' of the island. By integrating the organic forms of the Banyan with the play of light and shadow, the design transforms a commercial space into a spiritual shelter, offering a moment of primitive healing amidst urban hustle.
Project Duration: The project started in Nov 2024 in Naha City, Okinawa and finished in March 2025
Operation Flow: Guests enter beneath the symbolic canopy of the banyan tree and are naturally guided toward seating areas that embrace the soft western light. The filtered illumination through the acrylic leaf screens shifts subtly throughout the day, providing visitors with a tangible sense of passing time. This visual and spatial rhythm intentionally encourages people to slow their pace, breathe deeply, and experience emotional serenity while enjoying their coffee and bread.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Conception Co., Ltd., 2025.
Image Credits: Photographer: Masahiro Ishibashi