It is hard to miss the restaurant design completed by Kengo Kuma as you can see it on your approach to the Dazaifu Tenmangu – which is one of the major shrines in Japan established in 919 A.D. We are talking about the Starbucks Coffee and just like the shrine it also enjoys a lot of visitors every year. The hospitality design was aimed to harmonize with the townscape by utilizing a unique design – a system of weaving thin woods diagonally.

The system is made up of 2,000 stick-like parts with size ranging from 1.3m to 4m length and 6cm section. This system has created a striking impact for the beautiful restaurant where you can enjoy your coffee and some delicacies altogether without the inconvenience of a strictly restaurant atmosphere. The weaving of sticks has been experimented before by Kengo Kuma but this time they were oriented diagonally so that it creates a sense of direction and seamless fluidity.

The piling of small parts from the ground has been traditional in Japanese architecture and the same system has greatly improved the design of this amazing restaurant. As a result, the restaurant interiors became fluid and cave-like space inviting people in not only because of the major product it serves but also because of the design.

Located in Fukuoka, Japan, it stands harmonically with the rest of the architectural forms surrounding it. Considering that this has been the first time that Starbucks outsourced its design project, it is indeed successful and very attractive and at the same time share common attachment with its environmental setting. In addition, the restaurant design is efficient since the materials utilized were recyclable – meaning you can disassemble and reassemble it anywhere and anytime you want.

Posted by JackieAzuela at 11 May, 2012

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