Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma has designed the interiors of Shizuku by Chef Naoko, a new japanese restaurant opened in the West-Coast city of Portland, Oregon. Their all-handmade dishes, taking full advantage of the local and organically grown ingredients, are also known to the rest of the world.
The space in the restaurant is gently divided with sudare, a diaphanous screen made with thin bamboo sticks. By turning the direction of hanging from the traditional horizontal to a simple yet surprising vertical orientation, it became possible to realize softly curved and flexible surfaces. The screen resembles the shape of aurora, and with the light filtering through the screens, the restaurant acquires a good sense of comfort.
Diners are able to choose between table seating, an elevated area of relaxed japanese seating or at the bar. The large glass restaurant from captures a view of the street and projects a comfortable and unobtrusive space, inviting those outside to enter.
all images © Jeremy Bittermann