Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku by Takahiro Todoroki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award in Mapangidwe a Mkati mwa Nyumba ndi Mawonekedwe Competition Category.
BronzeMkati· 2026
Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku
Client: Engine, Inc
Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award Winner in Mkati Category
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The Design
About Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku
Plus 81 ndi malo amkati a bala ndi kalabu ya usiku okhazikika mkati mwa malo ogulitsira akale. Chinyumba chakunja chimafanana ndi malo omanga kwakanthawi okutidwa ndi manyuzipepala a ku Japan, ndipo khomo lolowera labisika kuseri kwa sitolo yogulitsa zidole, zomwe zimapanga kusintha pang'onopang'ono polowa mkati. Bala yapakati imakhala maziko a kapangidwe kake, pomwe madera ozungulira amathandizira kudya, mipando yopumira, karaoke ndi misonkhano yachinsinsi. Denga la magiridi lokhala ndi magetsi a RGB limayankha kutalika kochepa kwa denga ndikuwonjezera kayimbidwe kowoneka. Zipangizo zake zikuphatikizapo zitsulo zokutidwa ndi zinki, magalasi ojambulidwa ndi pansi pa resin okhala ndi zilembo zojambula.
The Recognition
About the Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award
Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka kwambiri komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe abwino kwambiri omwe amaonekera ndi luso lolenga, kuchenjera ndi nzeru zakuthwa. Opambana a Bronze ndi zinthu zaluso kwambiri ndi zolenga modabwitsa zomwe zimatsimikizira zochitika zazikulu, kulingalira ndi kuchenjera kwa opanga awo. Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku akuyembekezeka kukhala chinthu choyamikiridwa, chosirira ndi chokondedwa, chaukatswiri wapadera ndi chatsopano. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Bronze ya A' Design Award awa amaphatikiza machitidwe abwino kwambiri a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo ndipo ndi abwino kwambiri chifukwa cha kusamala kwawo zazing'ono. Plus 81 Bala, Kalabu ya Usiku amakwaniritsa zosowa mokongola, kukhudza zilakolako, kukopa mitima ndi kudzutsa chidwi.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This project introduces a Neo Tokyo Speakeasy hidden within an aging mall, blending into its surroundings with a facade resembling a temporary construction site clad in Japanese newspapers. A concealed entrance through a figure shop creates a narrative transition into a vibrant interior. The design contrasts secrecy and spectacle, revealing a dynamic nightlife space. A grid ceiling with RGB lighting compensates for low height while generating visual rhythm, transforming spatial limitations into an immersive experience.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Total area: 240 sqm. Ceiling height: 2355 mm. Structure: steel frame. Materials: wood panels, plaster with aggregates, etched mirrors, zinc-galvanized steel, resin, LED neon. Ceiling: timber frame with paint and random zinc panel cladding. Floor: pigmented mortar with urethane coating and kanji graphics. Walls: wood panels, plaster, mirrors, printed wallpaper. Lighting: 50 lux ambient, 2700K. Equipment includes projection mapping floor, digital display columns, and Void Acoustics sound system.
- Tags
- Club, Bar, Lounge, Speakeasy, Japanese, Philippines, Anime, Manga
- Production Technology
- The spatial design integrates club, bar, dining, and karaoke functions through strategic zoning and circulation planning. A central bar anchors the layout, while surrounding areas enable continuous movement. Acoustic performance was optimized by avoiding flat surfaces and applying geometric wall patterns. Materials include zinc-galvanized steel with exposed rivets, etched mirrors with integrated RGB lighting, and resin-coated flooring with graphic typography. Construction methods were systematized to match local skill levels, supported by detailed drawings and modular fabrication techniques.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was designing a high-impact nightlife space within the constraints of a low ceiling and limited footprint in an aging commercial building. Additionally, the complexity of the design led many contractors to decline participation, and initial costs exceeded the budget. These issues were addressed by simplifying construction systems and clearly communicating design intent through detailed drawings. Continuous adjustments and rework were required to achieve the intended quality under inconsistent construction conditions and scheduling delays.
- Research
- This is an applied interior and experience design research. The objective was to create a multifunctional nightlife venue within a low ceiling and limited footprint by reinterpreting Japanese subculture. The methodology integrated zoning, atmospheric design, acoustic control, and narrative sequencing over a 3-month design and 7-month construction period. Data were gathered through user scenarios, site constraints, and mock-ups using drawings, 3D models, lighting tests, and material studies. The result enhanced user engagement and commercial performance.
- Inspiration
- The design is inspired by Japan 1980s and 1990s subculture and bubble era nightlife, reinterpreted in a contemporary context. It draws from manga, neon, and retro materials to evoke nostalgia and energy. The concept also reflects the idea of multifunctional entertainment spaces, similar to karaoke culture in Japan. Given the limited scale, the project aims to maximize usage beyond nightlife by creating zones adaptable for dining, socializing, and private gatherings, merging cultural memory with modern urban lifestyles.
- Project Duration
- This project began its design phase in Japan in 2023 and opened in Manila, Philippines, in May 2025.
- Operation Flow
- The venue operates as a lounge bar and restaurant on weekdays and transforms into a nightclub on weekends. It accommodates diverse user needs, including dancing, dining, drinking, and karaoke. Guests enter through a hidden route, gradually building anticipation before reaching the main space. The layout encourages exploration, allowing users to move freely between zones such as bar counter, lounge seating, and private rooms. This layered experience creates excitement and discovery, making each visit unique and engaging.
- Image Credits
- Photographer : Katsumi Hirabayashi
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