Excerpt: Hokkaido Sachi Tran Hung Dao by Takashi Niwa Architects is an interior design project that renovates spatial arrangement and experience with the key element of vertical stripes—significant elements of Japanese architecture, art, and culture. These vertical stripes have been transformed into design elements, capturing the essence of Japanese culture and provoking unprecedented experiences and perspectives.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] A Scenery of Cultural Stripes: On the major street of Hanoi old quarter, this restaurant aims to deliver a holistic experience of Japanese food, space and culture, presented in Vietnamese urban scape. From the original building’s framework, the new design renovates spatial arrangement and experience with the key element of vertical stripes – significant elements of Japanese architecture, art and culture.
Typically used in “koshi” timber louvers, panels and doors, the vertical elements have turned into uniqueness of the restaurant’s dining experience with different materials, 3-dimensional forms and layers. Through diverse expression and visualization, the stripe elements have created a multi-layer scenery, where customers can discover, encounter and embrace.
Layers of Culture: Instead of a direct recreation of Japanese significance, the representation of vertical stripes has transformed into design elements, conveying different aspects of such unique culture. With this approach, the essence of traditional spirit is captured, while unprecedented experience and perspectives are provoked.
On the exterior façade of the restaurant, the signature of traditional vertical louvers has turned into a three dimensional design of wave-patterns and curved glass panels. These formal reinterpretations incite contemporary perceptions by enhancing traditional louvers’ characteristics such as rhythm of light and shadow; soft spatial boundary and fractional visibility, keeping privacy of the guests.
Another representation of Japanese vertical stripes – the art of textile, has also been transformed in terms of design, fabrication and utilization. In collaboration with Indigo Store, a Hanoi-based professional in preserving and promoting traditional handicraft, the design team have revised kimonos and obi that the architect collected in the antique market from Japan into various spatial elements. From the unique entrance textile wall, hanging decoration, VIP rooms’ Noren to customized lighting design, the elegance of Japanese traditional textile is revealed in various scales and techniques.
Layers of Space and Experience: With multiple spatial division and organization required, the design creates layers of space and experiences to create an unexpected and provoking journey for customers to discover. As one transitions from outside to inside, public to private, there is always an awaiting moment to encounter.
From outside, through the façade’s curved glass panels, the blurred effects prompts curiosity and interest when passing by, while preserving certain privacy for the public dining space. Inside, after a subtle moment of the recessing entrance, the high ceiling with textile wall and a double-story void offers a profound grand view of the space. On the side of this open space, a secluded vertical staircase then transitions into the private and quiet atmosphere of compartments, leading to the upper floors. Through these amplified spaces, the design intrigued customers’ excitement and interest through transformation of experience.
Among these layers of circulation and experience, the journey is also highlighted with a delicate moment of discovery unique to Hanoi’s old quarter setting. The precious charm of 300-year-old sấu trees on the North side, nearby schools and antique buildings, are gracefully cherished with delicate view frames.
While enjoying the spatial experience, the guests will also find delightful memories such as a panoramic window embracing the lively greenery, a soft slit of daylight illuminating through pattern glass, a recessing space featuring unique art pieces, … In collaboration with curating artist, Mrs. Hanna Abe, the design delivers not only the grand impression, but also sensational moments to each customer. Through these layers of space and experience, guests are embraced with not only the signature essence of Japanese culture, but also the integration into the delicate charm of Hanoi.
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