Takumi

Restaurant for NI Space Design

Amidst the flickering flames, the intense red of the burning charcoal and the brick walls create a visual and sensory feast. The brick tones, reminiscent of the warmth of traditional Japanese charcoal grilling, are reinterpreted in a modern space, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly. Whether in the open dining area or the meticulously designed private VIP booths, each space is like a carefully crafted stage, presenting dinners with one captivating scene after another.

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Takumi by NI Space Design

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Restaurant by NI Space Design

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NI Space Design Takumi

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NI Space Design Restaurant

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Unique Properties

Robatayaki refers to a cooking method where food is grilled on a square, open grill, with people gathered around to watch and enjoy. Building on this imagery, the designers broke away from traditional Japanese frameworks, using curves and high ceilings to create a theatrical effect. The interwoven arcs create diverse scenes. With the robatayaki bar as the core, seating is layered and staggered, providing the depth of a stage. The freely flowing curves overlap within the space. Glass brick walls add an illusionary element, transforming the restaurant into a grand performance venue.

Tags

Robatayaki, Modern Aesthetics, Dramatic Space, Orange-Red Tone, Visual Feast

Production Technology

Metal mesh, mosaic tiles, glass bricks, and terrazzo flooring create a sense of transparency and modernity, while also enhancing openness and interaction. Departing from the traditional Japanese palette of light beige, the design primarily uses orange-red tones to evoke the warmth and vibrancy of fire. Gray tones are incorporated to balance the intensity of the overall color scheme, making the space more visually appealing and expressive. The VIP booths are particularly highlighted for their uniqueness and luxury.

Design Challenge

Challenges included differences in material selection and construction standards. Since the site is located in Shanghai, known as the 'fashion capital,' the design had to be impeccably eye-catching. Due to regional differences in materials, some ideas could not be fully realized as originally planned, leading to the need to replace certain design elements. Fortunately, the final adjustments resulted in a high-standard, high-quality presentation. The designers preserved the aesthetic and functionality of the project, demonstrating adaptability and innovative thinking in the face of challenges.

Project Duration

The project finished in January 2024 in Shanghai.

Operation Flow

The renovated restaurant enhances the brand's image while increasing the venue's appeal. Moreover, the restaurant's reopening during the post-pandemic recovery period saw a noticeable increase in per-customer spending, indicating that the restaurant's market positioning and renovation strategy successfully attracted a more upscale clientele. The service model, which combines specialty cuisine with interior design, further solidified the restaurant's position in the local culinary scene, bringing in a new and loyal customer base.

Research

The space is designed like a theater, with curves and high ceilings creating a layered seating arrangement. Every seat offers a perfect view of the chef's culinary artistry while also enhancing privacy. The orange-red tones and reflective materials recreate the robatayaki cooking process, with metal mesh and glass bricks interwoven into the details. As the aroma of fresh ingredients fills the air, dinners can experience a sensory journey. The remodeling project undoubtedly allows the brand to once again capture the market's favor, this time with an even more innovative and modern flair.

Inspiration

Inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine, robatayaki is a sensory cooking method where ingredients are arranged around a brick grill. It offers diners an exquisite dining experience, which is also one of the brand's distinctive features. In the past, the design concept often focused on restoring classic Japanese elements. However, the owner wanted this restaurant to have a different style. The designers combined a dramatic layout with semi-open dining areas to enhance privacy and visual appeal.

Image Credits

NI Space Design

Project Overview

Takumi Restaurant has been a Silver winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

NI Space Design was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Takumi Restaurant.

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