Known for its distinct compact architecture style, Tokyo-based Apollo Architects & Associates design a new home for an 85-year-old restaurant.
Using a narrow abstract-looking building as the setting of Switch, the architecture and design firm divide the space in a way to accommodate the established eatery in the base and keep the upper floor as residential space.
Wanting to downsize before its 100th birthday, the owners of Switch were on board to start operating from the new compact architecture building chosen by the architects that will only be accessible to 16 diners at a time.
With a 20m long frontage and a depth of 2m to 6m, the two-storey building has exposed concrete walls and a cedar formwork to keep the look of the old restaurant authentic.
"It expresses the dignity of a long-established shop that ages with the passage of time," says studio principal Satoshi Kurosaki.
What's Driving This Trend
- Compact Restaurant Designs
- Opportunity for architects and designers to create innovative, space-efficient restaurant layouts that can accommodate limited seating but still provide a unique dining experience.
- Narrow Abstract-looking Buildings
- Potential for architects to utilize narrow, abstract designs for buildings, providing a visually striking and space-efficient solution for various purposes.
- Downsizing for Efficiency
- Opportunity for businesses to explore downsizing as a way to increase efficiency and create unique, intimate experiences for their customers.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Design
- Architects and designers can explore compact restaurant designs to offer innovative solutions for limited space and create visually appealing structures.
- Hospitality
- Restaurants and hotels can adapt the concept of narrow, abstract-looking buildings to create unique and intimate dining experiences for their guests.
- Real Estate
- Real estate developers can capitalize on the trend of downsizing by designing and constructing narrow, compact buildings that offer both commercial and residential spaces.
