In the heart of Tokyo, a new space is challenging the conventional dining experience. NEXUS, the brainchild of Cristina Poelk in collaboration with Berlin kitchen brand TERMINO, is not just a bar or restaurant; it’s a dynamic exploration of spatial transformation, where architecture and gastronomy intertwine to create a unique and immersive experience.
NEXUS revolves around a new iteration of TERMINO‘s modular system, an architectural intervention that blurs the lines between nightclub, bar, and fine dining. This innovative approach allows the space to adapt and evolve, shifting seamlessly from an intimate dining setting to the vibrant energy of late-night revelry.
The design embraces a raw, brutalist aesthetic, with exposed concrete forming the shell of the space. This material honesty creates a striking backdrop for Poelk’s vision. However, the starkness of the concrete is softened by the introduction of large circular windows, which frame the dazzling Tokyo skyline like a cinematic panorama. These windows provide a visual counterpoint to the geometric rigidity of the architecture, adding a touch of dynamism and connection to the city.
The focal point of NEXUS is a 360-degree bar, constructed entirely from TERMINO’s modular system. This isn’t merely a place to grab a drink; it’s the pulsating heart of the space, dictating the rhythm and flow of movement. Suspended storage modules, seemingly floating on thin wires, create a sense of lightness and airiness, while tall, open shelving units provide a sense of structure and definition. The interplay between these elements creates a dynamic balance between mass and levity.
NEXUS exudes a cinematic aura, subtly reminiscent of the neon-drenched worlds of 1980s sci-fi. High ceilings amplify the spatial drama, while the flooring, with its subtle postmodern influences, prevents the atmosphere from becoming too austere. The result is a space that feels both futuristic and fundamentally elemental – bold yet inviting.
Warmth and tactility are introduced through carefully selected furnishings, softening the industrial edge of the architecture. Sculptural GRAU lamps grace the tables, casting a soft glow that creates pockets of intimacy. The material palette – steel, glass, and concrete – remains unadorned, yet in concert with TERMINO’s modular precision, it achieves a harmonious balance between adaptability and permanence.
The central bar isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it embodies Poelk’s vision of a social space in perpetual motion. Guests fluidly transition between roles – diner, observer, participant – mirroring the dynamic rhythms of urban life, where encounters are fleeting and spaces are constantly being redefined.
TERMINO’s modular system is the key to this transformation. Its precision and versatility empower the space to be both flexible and resolute, experimental yet timeless. NEXUS transcends the traditional hospitality model; it represents a reimagining of how architecture, design, and dining can converge into a singular, immersive, and unforgettable experience. It’s a place where the energy of Tokyo meets innovative design, creating a nexus of social interaction and culinary exploration.