Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub by Takahiro Todoroki

Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub by Takahiro Todoroki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze in Igishushanyo cy'Imbere y'Inyubako Competition Category.

BuronzeImbere y'Inyubako· 2026

Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub

by Takahiro Todoroki

Client: Engine, Inc

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze Winner in Imbere y'Inyubako Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #183476

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub

Plus 81 ni imbere y'akabari na nightclub biri mu isoko rinini rishaje. Imbere hanze hasa n'ahantu hagikorerwa imirimo yo kubaka by'agateganyo hapfundikijwe impapuro z'amakuru z'Ubuyapani, naho umuryango winjirwamo uhishwe inyuma y'iduka ry'ibishushanyo, bigatuma habaho ukwinjira mu buryo buhoro buhoro mu mbere y'inyubako. Akabari kari hagati ni ko gashimangira imiterere y'ahantu, mu gihe uduce tugakikije dukorerwamo kurya, kwicara mu byicaro byo kuruhukiramo, karaoke n'amateraniro yihariye. Igisenge cy'utuzu duteranye gifite amatara ya RGB gikemura ikibazo cy'igisenge kiri hasi kandi cyongeraho injyana igaragara. Ibikoresho birimo icyuma gisize zinc, indorerwamo zishushanyijeho n'ubutaka bwa resin bufite inyandiko z'ubugeni.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze

Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze, ishimwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo by'indashyikirwa birangwa no guhanga, ubwenge n'ubushishozi. Abegukanye Buronze ni ibihangano bifite ubuhanga bwinshi kandi bihanga cyane, bishimangira uburambe, ubwenge n'ubushobozi bw'ababihanze. Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub biteganyijwe ko izaba ikintu cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifite ubunyamwuga n'udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Buronze gikoresha uburyo bwiza mu buhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga kandi kirarenze mu gutaha ku tuntu duto. Plus 81 Akabari, Nightclub ishimisha ibyo dukeneye, ikora ku byifuzo byacu, itwara amarangamutima yacu kandi ikurura amatsiko yacu.

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