Get ready to be amazed! Schemata Architects has created a truly special place in the heart of Tokyo’s fashionable Ginza district. Ginza Innit is more than just a restaurant and store; it’s a design masterpiece showcasing the beauty of artificial wood patterns.
Imagine this: A building with a sleek, modern exterior, yet inside, a warm and inviting space, a world away from the usual Ginza vibe. The architects faced a challenge – using natural wood was off-limits due to building regulations. But they embraced the challenge, turning to DI-NOC films by 3M for a solution.
This clever material allowed them to achieve the desired look and feel without sacrificing the natural wood’s warmth and texture. The film mimics wood patterns in stunning detail, covering walls, countertops, and shelves, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere.
A Fusion of Design and Functionality
Ginza Innit is more than just a beautiful space. It’s also a celebration of the convenience of “izameshi”, a Japanese term for ready-to-eat retort pouch foods. These pouches offer an easy and delicious way to enjoy a meal, and they fit perfectly with the store’s design philosophy.
Think of izameshi as the ultimate “instant gratification” food. It’s lightweight, portable, and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy consumers. And just like the DI-NOC films used in the store, izameshi offers an immediate and satisfying experience.
“The design explores ways of expressing wood patterns that are only possible with DI-NOC films, featuring wide wall surfaces, countertops, and shelves with such patterns throughout.”
A Story of Inspiration
The story behind Ginza Innit is as fascinating as the store itself. Jo Nagasaka, the founder of Schemata Architects, shares his journey of inspiration.
He recalls a conversation with a client, Mr. Takeo Kikuchi, who admired the use of natural wood in a previous project. Mr. Kikuchi also expressed his admiration for spaces using artificial wood, suggesting that these materials possess an inherent power to create a sense of comfort and relaxation.
This exchange sparked a realization for Jo Nagasaka. He saw a parallel between artificial wood and izameshi, both offering easy-to-use and instantaneous benefits. “We found a common thread between retort pouch food and DI-NOC films, both offering easy-to-use and instantaneous effects, and designed a store that made extensive use of DI-NOC films.”
A Design that Speaks Volumes
Ginza Innit is more than just a store; it’s a testament to the power of creative thinking and innovative solutions. By embracing the use of artificial wood patterns, Schemata Architects has created a space that is both stylish and functional, a place where izameshi and design collide in a truly unique and inspiring way.
The entire interior demonstrates the potential of artificial wood patterns and the unique ways the films can be applied on wall surfaces, countertops, and shelves.
