The Parallel Blue: An Immersive Aquarium Dining Experience in Tokyo

Challenging the Boundaries of Ocean-Themed Design

The Parallel Blue, designed by Tetsuya Matsumoto and his team, pushes the boundaries of ocean-themed design by transforming a simple restaurant into an underwater universe. Inspired by immersive art experiences and large-scale aquarium attractions, this innovative concept turns the traditional use of aquariums on its head.

The restaurant, occupying the fourth floor of a mixed-use building, features a series of aquariums positioned exclusively on top of load-bearing beams. This strategic placement ensures the structural integrity of the relatively old building while creating a captivating dining environment. To enhance the immersive experience, the walls are finished in mirrors, and the ceiling is adorned with reflective aluminum panels, expanding the space in all directions.

With a gross built area of 94 square meters, The Parallel Blue offers intimate seating arrangements that cater to different group sizes. The entrance, accessed through a small corridor for added privacy, leads to four quarter-circle spaces designed for couples. Additionally, two sections of the restaurant are dedicated to box sofa seating, with each section accommodating four tables. The smaller space features two tables for two and two tables for four, while the larger space offers two tables for four and two tables for six.

The design team, which includes Motoaki Takeuchi, Farid Ziani, Risa Iriyama, and Mari Sugiyama, overcame several challenges to bring The Parallel Blue to life. The limited area and low ceiling height posed significant constraints, but the use of mirrors and reflective surfaces helped create an illusion of spaciousness. Furthermore, the installation of heavy water tanks required careful consideration to ensure the building could support the additional load.

The Parallel Blue, completed in June 2020, represents a fusion of hospitality and immersive experience design. By reimagining the use of aquariums in a dining setting, this innovative concept offers a truly unique and captivating experience for visitors. The restaurant's location in the heart of Tokyo's bustling nightlife district adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Images:

Image #1: ©Stirling Elmendorf, The Parallel Blue, 2020

Image #2: ©Stirling Elmendorf, The Parallel Blue, 2020

Image #3: ©Stirling Elmendorf, The Parallel Blue, 2020

Image #4: ©Stirling Elmendorf, The Parallel Blue, 2020

Image #5: ©Stirling Elmendorf, The Parallel Blue, 2020

Awards and Accolades:

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. The Iron A' Design Award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. It celebrates designs that integrate industry best practices and demonstrate competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.