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Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne by Shinjiro Heshiki

Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne by Shinjiro Heshiki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award in Oblikovanje notranjega prostora in razstav Competition Category.


BronastaInterier· 2026

Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne

by Shinjiro Heshiki

Client: Runva Company Inc.

Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Interier Category

Colors

The Design

About Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne

Urban Banyan je notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne v mestu Naha na Okinavi. Prostor se osredotoča na skulpturalno banjanovo drevo, široko 6000 mm in visoko 3600 mm. Skulptura združuje letvene plošče, malto in umetniški omet, medtem ko lahke veje iz 3D-tiskane smole ustrezajo predpisom o požarni varnosti. Zunanji napisi niso bili dovoljeni, zato 14,5-metrska steklena fasada nosi 3 mm debele akrilne plošče s potiskom poltransparentnih listov. Osvetlitev iz ozadja ponoči spremeni izložbo v toplo svetilko.

The Recognition

About the Bronasta nagrada A' Design Award

Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne je prejemnik Bronaste nagrade A' Design Award, zelo prestižnega priznanja, ki se podeljuje izjemnim oblikovanjem, ki se odlikujejo po ustvarjalnosti, iznajdljivosti in bistrosti. Prejemniki Bronaste nagrade so v celoti spretni in presenetljivo ustvarjalni artefakti, ki potrjujejo bogate izkušnje, domišljijo in zvitost svojih oblikovalcev. Od Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne se pričakuje, da bo visoko cenjen, občudovan in ljubljen predmet, opazno profesionalen in inovativen. To oblikovanje, nagrajeno z Bronasto nagrado A' Design Award, vključuje najboljše prakse v umetnosti, znanosti, oblikovanju in tehnologiji ter je odlično po pozornosti do podrobnosti. Urban Banyan Notranje oblikovanje pekarske kavarne sijajno zadovoljuje potrebe, se dotika želja, očara čustva in vzbuja radovednost.

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

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