Ukiyoe: A Japanese-Inspired Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant in Taiwan

Preserving Tradition and Embracing Sustainability

To reflect the local culture and natural landscape, the exterior of the building features wood grain aluminum louvers that outline the shape of Alishan mountain. Inside, the design preserves the building's original features from the Japanese occupation period, using a variety of materials. One of the standout elements is the use of "Ukiyo-e" wallpaper, which stretches along the space, recreating the bustling scenes of the Edo period and emphasizing the cultural background of conveyor belt sushi, Japanese cuisine, and the deliciousness of the ingredients.

The realization of this design involved the use of various materials such as cypress wood, granite skin, night pearl antique surface, incense fir, H-shaped steel, wood grain aluminum grille, Ukiyo-e output map, wood grain brick, rust plate, and cola stone. These materials were carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

The 297 square-meter space is divided using semitransparent materials with wooden louvers and different lanterns, creating an open visual experience. Unprocessed cypress wood and rustic iron were chosen to reduce the environmental impact. The design team also adopted double tracks to meet diverse needs, and by narrowing the distance between the chefs and guests in the Itabasahi area, they created a rich and cozy dining experience.

With the concept of "handling complexity by simplicity," Ukiyoe interprets sustainability through reinforcement methods that stabilize the structure. The exterior design draws inspiration from the local natural landscape, exploring the harmony between humans and nature, as well as the Japanese "shaded" aesthetic. Inside, the use of Japanese Ukiyo-e, particularly "the Kanagawa Surfing," reflects the background of Japanese cuisine and offers a fresh dining experience.

The Ukiyoe project began in June 2018 and was completed on December 25, 2019, in Chiayi City, Taiwan. The design process involved extensive research on regenerating an abandoned old building and injecting fashion elements while maintaining functionality and traditional style. The challenges faced included reinforcing the original building structure, which lacked bearing capacity, and reconfiguring all the pipelines to bring out the unique features of the design.

Upholding the concept of "handling complexity by simplicity," Ukiyoe's exterior uses wooden louvers to embody the image of mountain and forest culture, as well as the expression of Japanese "shaded" thinking. The incorporation of Ukiyo-e artwork reflects Japanese culture, while the private box area evokes the glorious feeling of the Edo period. By subverting the traditional conveyor belt sushi dining style and adopting a double track design, the distance between the chefs and guests in the Itabasahi area is narrowed, creating a more intimate and immersive experience.

The Ukiyoe design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This award acknowledges designs that demonstrate outstanding technical and creative skills, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology to contribute to quality of life improvements.