Ref Okinawa Arena

Hotel for Sukoyaka Holdings

Ref Okinawa arena, situated in the heart of Okinawa Island, contrasts with the region's famous seaside beauty. Known for its sports venues and nostalgic American nightlife influenced by the nearby U.S. military base, the area boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Drawing from the Okinawan word Champuru, meaning mixed, the project celebrates multicultural charm and local activities. It aims to transcend the typical hotel experience, fostering genuine connections within the community and enhancing both guest experiences and local pride in an environmentally conscious manner.

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Ref Okinawa Arena by Uds Ltd

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Hotel by Uds Ltd

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Uds Ltd Ref Okinawa Arena

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Uds Ltd Hotel

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Unique Properties

Ref Okinawa arena is located in the heart of Okinawa island, renowned for its seaside beauty. However, this inland location offers a vibrant contrast to the coastal areas. Known for its sports venues and nostalgic American nightlife, influenced by the nearby U.S. military base, it represents a rich cultural tapestry. This project aims to highlight an alternative side of Okinawa by focusing on local culture and community spirit, offering a fresh perspective on the island's unique charms.

Tags

hotel, japan, okinawa, ref, okinawa arena

Production Technology

The exterior facade draws from the 'hana-block,' a traditional Okinawan vent block, with a modern twist. Each frame features two colors: tropical green, symbolizing Okinawa’s lush environment, and brick red, reflecting the region’s clay architecture. This duality creates a dynamic effect that captures Okinawa's vibrant spirit as the colors shift with the viewing angle. Inside the guest rooms, the color schemes vary by floor, adding a playful and distinctive touch to the hotel’s design.

Design Challenge

While Okinawa is known for its seaside, this project offers a fresh perspective by highlighting often-overlooked inland charms. Situated away from the beach, the hotel emphasizes local culture, traditions, and community spirit, creating a unique identity distinct from coastal resorts. Additionally, under Park PFI regulations, the ground floor design blends with the surrounding greenery to create a public space that benefits the community.

Project Duration

The project began in May 2021, was completed in July 2023, and opened in August 2023 to coincide with the Basketball World Cup at the nearby Okinawa Arena. To celebrate the hometown basketball team, we collaborated with local artists to create two uniquely themed guest rooms inspired by the team's identity.

Operation Flow

Designed with the community in mind, the hotel's first two floors are multifunctional spaces connected by a central staircase. These spaces open to a terrace garden, linking to the public park across the street and creating a welcoming lounge for locals. The top floor features a pool and music bar inspired by 'Music Town,' a nearby American-influenced venue. This setup encourages both guests and locals to engage in activities from day to night, fostering a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

Research

Adjacent to a U.S. military base, the project highlights the strong influence of American culture in Okinawa. During the colonial period, Okinawa adopted American education and lifestyle, creating a unique blend of American and traditional Okinawan cultures. Despite this rich diversity, a venue is needed to effectively share this cultural fusion. We propose a hotel that encapsulates the charm of Okinawa City, showcasing its distinctive cultural identity and celebrating its multifaceted heritage.

Inspiration

The concept draws from the Okinawan word 'Champuru,' meaning 'mixed,' symbolizing the fusion of traditional Okinawan, Mainland Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American influences. It celebrates this multicultural charm through local materials and collaborations with local artists and the hometown basketball team. The project illustrates how a commercial venture can integrate with the community, enhancing guest experiences and fostering local pride in an environmentally conscious manner.

Image Credits

Image #No1 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023 Image #No2 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023 Image #No3 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023 Image #No4 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023 Image #No5 : Photographer Nacasa & Partners Inc., Ref okinawa arena, 2023

Project Overview

Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel has been a Iron winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Uds Ltd. was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Ref Okinawa Arena Hotel.

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