La Coquina Cerveceria: A Shellfish-Inspired Spanish Restaurant

Aiji Inoue's Award-Winning Design in the Heart of Shibuya, Japan

The design identity of La Coquina Cerveceria is deeply rooted in the concept of shellfish. This inspiration is reflected in the materials, patterns, and forms used throughout the restaurant. Additionally, the design incorporates elements of Catalunya culture in Spain, which is closely associated with the sea, to create a unique and extraordinary atmosphere.

Located on the upper floor of a newly built commercial building in the heart of Shibuya, the restaurant serves shellfish dishes as its main menu. The design takes into account the visual appearance of shellfish, focusing on their unique shapes and how they look when accumulated. This approach provides a unique perspective, as if viewing the world from the perspective of a shellfish.

The restaurant's realization technology is equally impressive. The ceiling design, for example, seeks to recreate the calming atmosphere of the ocean floor where shellfish live. This is achieved through the use of lustrous tiles, patterns, and mirrors that mimic the wavering water surface and the reflection and refraction of light.

The restaurant, which spans 211.5 sqm, is open from lunch to midnight. The design team, which included Toshiya Yokomizo, Yoshitomo Harasawa, and AIM CREATE Co., Ltd., faced several challenges during the design process. These included matching the restaurant's interior with the city view outside and incorporating mosaic mirrors and sea anemone-like lightings with rich steel ornaments to create a modernismo (Modernisme català) architecture style-like creation.

The design process began in January 2018 in Tokyo, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2019. The project was not without its challenges, but the team managed to create a restaurant full of unexpected surprises and city-like vibes. The result is a space that feels as if it's floating in the atmosphere, offering a unique dining experience for its patrons.

The design of La Coquina Cerveceria is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Aiji Inoue and his team. It's a shining example of how design can transform a space, creating an atmosphere that not only enhances the dining experience but also pays tribute to the cultural and natural elements that inspired it.