Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po by Takahiro Todoroki

Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po by Takahiro Todoroki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Apamemea in Mamanu Totonu Competition Category.

ApamemeaTotonu· 2026

Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po

by Takahiro Todoroki

Client: Engine, Inc

A' Design Award Apamemea Winner in Totonu Category

6,129
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 Pa, Kalapu Po

O le Plus 81 o se totonu o le pa ma le kalapu po ua tu i totonu o se faletau matua. O foliga i fafo e pei o se nofoaga faufale le tumau ua ufiufi i nusipepa Iapani, ma o le faitotoa ulufale ua natia i tua o se faleoloa o ata faitino, ma faia ai se suiga faasolosolo i totonu. O se pa tutotonu e faamautu ai le faatulagaga, a o vaega faataamilo e lagolagoina ai le taumafataga, nofoa malolo, karaoke ma faatasiga tumaoti. O le faalo faavaevae ma moli RGB e tali atu i le maualalo o le faalo ma faaopoopo ai se pao vaaia. O mea faitino e aofia ai le uamea ua ufiufi i le zinc, faaata ua togitogia ma le fola resini ma mataitusi faakalafi.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Apamemea

O le A' Design Award Apamemea na manumalo ai Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu ese e iloga i le fatufatuaʻi, le atamai ma le poto. O ē manumalo i le Apamemea o mea e iai le tomai atoa ma fatufatuaʻi mataʻina e faamaonia ai le poto masani tele, le mafaufau ma le atamai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po e avea ma mea e vivii tele, ua pelepelea, e iloga i le tomai faapolofesa ma mea fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Apamemea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili i le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi ma e sili ona lelei i le mataituina o mea itiiti. Plus 81 Pa, Kalapu Po e faamalieina matagofie manaʻoga, pa i manaʻo, faalataina lagona ma faaosofia le fia iloa.

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