Our design principle is to derive mental experiences from physical experiences. Specifically, this includes: ・Experiences of visitors or users ・Movements and scale of the human body ・Relationship between the human body…
01What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
Our design principle is to derive mental experiences from physical experiences. Specifically, this includes:
・Experiences of visitors or users
・Movements and scale of the human body
・Relationship between the human body and materials
・Perception of spatial scale
・Aura emitted by the forms
02What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
We particularly focused on the physical experience of the guests in our design. In a space of just about 23 square meters, we have created a unique spatial and dining experience. To achieve this, we have planned pathways from the entrance towards the seating area where guests change their orientation several times before heading towards their seats, with the head chef welcoming them directly from the front. Additionally, we have meticulously manipulated the heights of various elements. Furthermore, we have focused on the materials used, including handmade Japanese paper (washi) that we specifically crafted for this project.
03What are your future plans for this award winning design?
We plan to design new seating areas on the second floor in the future.
04How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
After numerous iterations and studies, we spent approximately six months designing it.
05Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
As it's a personal establishment, we unraveled the chef's artisanal demeanor and personality within the context of the design. We prioritized inspiration drawn from sushi, preserving its essence while infusing the space with a narrative-driven concept.
06Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
It has not been produced or used by other companies, and there are no plans to sell or lease the production rights.
07What made you design this particular type of work?
We have designed several sushi restaurants in the past, and that experience has been leveraged in this project.
08Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
The classical Japanese aesthetic influences us. For example, designers like Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architects and Shinichiro Ogata of SIMPLICITY.
09Who is the target customer for his design?
Customers involved in commercial design. Ordinary people.
10What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
・Emphasis on experiential design within the space
・Attention to detail in materials
・Narrative quality of the space
11How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
The restaurant is named after the head chef.
12Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
We use 3D CAD, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
13What is the most unique aspect of your design?
・Material composition
・Manipulation of scale
・Reinterpretation of Japanese design and composition
14Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
Woodworker: Wataru Sakai
Calligrapher: Mikiko Kayama
Graphic Designer: Natsuko Saka / TSUTO
Washi: Takaharu Maeda / Kamisukishikoushitsu
15What is the role of technology in this particular design?
The use of NC router to enhance the appeal of wood through processing. Unlike conventional methods, we perform wood processing that resembles the production of products.
16How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
We decided to apply with the aim of widely promoting spaces that combine Japanese design with modern technology and acquiring new clients. At the same time, we want to create social value for our firm.
17What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
We were able to reaffirm the core of the designs our firm undertakes. Particularly, we learned a lot about emphasizing the aspects of physical space that humans experience firsthand.
បទសម្ភាសន៍អ្នករចនា
25 សំណួរ
I have been interested in design since I started studying architecture at the age of 15, and it was around that time that I became aware of my desire to become a designer.
01Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I have been interested in design since I started studying architecture at the age of 15, and it was around that time that I became aware of my desire to become a designer. My interest in architecture was sparked when my family built a new house during my childhood. I remember being deeply fascinated by the craftsmanship of the carpenters.
02Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
A design firm founded in 2019 by a duo of architects. They discover the spark for their designs from a unique perspective that has yet to be seen in the world, and while immediately addressing challenges together, they produce designs that one person alone couldn't achieve.
03What is "design" for you?
Creating an atmosphere.
04What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Creating an atmosphere in a space.
05What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
The Bruder Klaus Field Chapel, designed by Peter Zumthor. It possesses a remarkable charm with its communal aspect, as local farmers played a central role in its construction, alongside its striking architectural form. One can feel the shimmer of nature within its serene atmosphere, and the seamless integration of the building and its surroundings is truly moving.
06What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
We value natural materials very highly, such as wood, stone, and paper.
07When do you feel the most creative?
When a design that responds to the environment is completed, and you experience it.
08Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
・The movement and scale of the human body
・The relationship between the human body and materials
・Sensory scale of space
・The intangible essence emitted by the architectural form
09What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Quietly, the heart is calm.
10What makes a design successful?
Repeating the study.
11When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
There are various design methodologies, but in the realm of space, the ability to experience their allure is paramount. It's essential to consider the sustainability and longevity of each design.
12How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
Creating something modern has become saturated. In new architectural approaches, the significance and meaning inherent in the very form and structure of buildings and edifices are deemed crucial. Specifically, the emphasis is shifting towards buildings' designs and shapes carrying symbolic meanings and purposes beyond mere aesthetics.
I believe that the future lies in designs that, while possessing uniqueness, seamlessly blend into their surroundings on a scale closer to the individual, rather than just considering environmental or societal aspects.
13Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
We live in the city of Fukuoka, Japan.
We are particularly influenced by Japan's cultural heritage.
A strength of designing in this country is the acceptance of spaces with "Ma" (間 / margin). A weakness is that the mentality of scrap-and-build still lingers.
14Can you talk a little about your design process?
First, We visit the site and listen to the client's needs. These processes are particularly crucial for discovering what is truly necessary. Afterward, We move on to studies using sketches, models, and other tools to further refine the design.
15What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
・SPADE CHAIR / Faye Toogood
・KABUTO CHAIR / Isamu Kenmochi
・AKARI / Isamu Noguchi
・Light Capsule / Peter Ivy
・cutlery / Jasper Morrison
16Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Interacting with many objects and people.
17What skills are most important for a designer?
Intuition
18Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
We are utilizing Google.
19What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
How do you think about space?
20What was your most important job experience?
Sushi Koji
21Who are some of your clients?
GC Corporation, Ryokan Yoshidaya, Potama Co. Ltd.
22What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
design with a live atmosphere.
23Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
It depends on the project, but in many cases, We design it ourself.
24Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
Yes, there are several. Many projects are currently underway, and We look forward to unveiling exciting new things.
A' Design Award គឺជាពានរង្វាន់រចនាល្អអន្តរជាតិដែលវាយតម្លៃដោយគណៈកម្មការ។ ចូលរួមក្នុង A' Design Award ដើម្បីទទួលបានឱកាសក្នុងការទទួលស្គាល់ដោយគុណសម្បត្តិ ទទួលបានកិត្តិនាម កិត្តិយស និងការផ្សព្វផ្សាយសម្រាប់ការងាររបស់អ្នក។ ដាក់ស្នាដៃរបស់អ្នកសម្រាប់ A' Design Award ហើយប្រកួតប្រជែងដើម្បីឈ្នះ A' Design Prize ដ៏គោរពរាប់អាន។