Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has revived an existing theater in Nagoya, Japan with bold red color and black square tiles, creating a special motif that could match the "flower" of the city. 

Called Misono-za, the existing theater is located in the center of Nagoya’s theater district, a place has long cultivated performance art and artists and is known as the place of entertainment within Japan. 

Kuma Kuma and Associates was commissioned to revive this historic place. The 3,641-square-metre building is considered as an unusual building as it is integrated with a shopping center facing a main road, as well apartments above the theater. 

"The former theatre had walls of Namako-kabe (black square tiles with raised white grout), and we used this as the motif of our design developing into a glamorously illuminated façade that could match the “flower” of the city," said the firm.

In the interiors, the studio looked back to the old Misono-za by using vermillion as the basic color. A wide corridor stretching from the foyer to the main entrance was covered with vermillion helping to enhance this bright and beautiful theater that represents Nagoya.

All images © SS Co., Ltd. Masato Uchiyama

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