Multiple-folded aluminium materials were hanged from the ceiling of the new restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, creating a bold, chaotic and dark space at first sight. But, this characteristic restaurant, bar or event space emerges from its distinctive implementation of the materials, colour and use. 

Designed by Moriyuki Ochiai Architects, the designers use a single finite material-aluminum-as a simple planar surface from which the studio created an engaging three-dimensional space that fulfills various functions and requirements at once. The interior can be conceived as a techno-futuristic space due to its highly-dense volumetric compositions and colour choice-making feel like to be in contemporary jazz bar.

Called Aluminium Flower Garden, during the course of planning the layout for the flower restaurant/bar and event space, the studio was challenged to come up with a concept that would evoke the floral imagery of the establishment's eponymous name. 

While the interiors looks so bold and dark, the video installations placed onto aluminium metal flowers make a contrast in the space with their strong blue screens, scattered randomly in the ceiling.

''In a country with limited resources such as Japan, the spirit of Monodzukuri is the epitome of ingenuity at the service of craftsmanship. From a single sheet of paper, which can be folded into a variety of shapes, emerged the art of Origami. From a single bolt of fabric was born one of Japan's most iconic garments: the Kimono.From a single piece of cloth, which can be used to wrap and carry all sorts of objects, came the Furoshiki,'' explains the designers. 

A sheet of aluminum, a recyclable material as thin and flexible as paper, spreads across the ceiling as it fills the space with its light and airy presence. The creases in the aluminum are as many glittering and fluttering petals covering the ceiling and enfolding visitors in a flowery embrace.

Changes to the size and density of the flower petals impart the function and atmosphere suited to each area, such as lively and quiet areas created through minute differences in the height and expanse of a given space. 

One's position and angle of vision as well as the reflection of images and lights from the mirrors on the walls concur to perpetually redefine the appearance of the whole space, thus enabling the viewer to experience a space with transient and diverse atmospheres.

The layering of minutely differing areas throughout the space gives people the opportunity to find an oasis of comfort at their own leisure. As flowers bloom in all their glory, this delicate yet splendid flower garden provides one and all with moments of delight.

Moreover, since they give the space its singularity, architects adapted the assembly method of the aluminum ceiling parts so as to be able to disassemble and reinstall them when moving the business to a different location. In doing so, they devised a way to effectively reduce the costs of moving.

Project Facts

Architect: Moriyuki Ochiai Architects

Category: Restaurant / bar, event space

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Date: 2013

Al images © Tetsu Hiraga

> via Moriyuki Ochiai Architects