Schemata Architects completes the design of the Funamachi Base, which is a cafe and sweets shop found right by a park in the middle of Funamachi. This is a riverport town in the center of Japan and the space is defined by timber pillars and PVC pipes which are integrated to bring a seamless connection from the interior to the exterior. The location serves as the inspiration for the three buildings which function as a sweet shop, office, kitchen, workshop, and restaurant.
The studio shares, "We envisioned the facility as an extension of the park, including the courtyard connected via flowerpots, so that the boundary between the inside and outside of the site would disappear and one would be gradually drawn inside." Jo Nagasaka, founder of the studio states, "The main idea was to incorporate the greenway along the river into the facility. The design is based on the expectation that people will find themselves entering into the shop as they walk along."
Parkside Riverport Sweets Cafes
Schemata Architects Designs the Funamachi Base Cafe
Trend Themes
1. Seamless Indoor-outdoor Integration - Timber pillars and PVC pipes create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, altering traditional spatial boundaries.
2. Multi-functional Cafes - A single location doubles as a sweet shop, office, kitchen, workshop, and restaurant, pushing the concept of space utilization.
3. Greenway-integrated Design - Incorporating natural elements from adjacent greenways into the architectural design fosters a harmonious blend between nature and commercial spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architectural firms can explore integration of outdoor elements to create seamless spatial connections.
2. Hospitality and Food Service - Cafes and restaurants can offer diversified services in a single venue, enhancing customer experience and space efficiency.
3. Urban Planning and Development - Urban planners can consider greenway-integrated structures to enhance the aesthetic and recreational appeal of urban environments.