kengo kuma hangs sudare screens above japanese restaurant in portland

kengo kuma has designed the interiors of a new japanese restaurant opened in the west-coast city of portland, oregon. ‘shizuku by chef naoko’ will be the home for the latest japanese culinary destination that combines handmade asian dishes, all set within a backdrop of the comfortable interior by the renowned japanese architect.

located in oakland’s downtown district, the restaurant space has been subtly divided from above. kengo kuma has hung a series of ‘sudare’ screens; forming a delicate and slightly transparent canopy suspended above from thin bamboo sticks. instead of placing the screens on the floor, the vertical orientation has enabled them to be softly curved or hung against the walls. at the same time, the duo-function screens serve as a decorative element and as a space divider and in turn, culminates a warm atmosphere with subtle cues to its japanese origins.

diners are able to choose between table seating, an elevated area of relaxed japanese seating or at the bar. coupled with the light filtering through, the soft illumination influences the sudare screens to evoke the shape of an aurora. the large glass restaurant from captures a view of the street and projects a comfortable and unobtrusive space, inviting those outside to enter.

conceiving projects of all scales, kengo kuma has also completed the restaurant interior of the nacrée restaurant in paris and also the cable-covered yakitori bar in tokyo.