CRONUS: A Sophisticated and High-Grade Members' Bar Lounge

Uniquely Designed by Aiji Inoue

CRONUS, designed by Aiji Inoue, is a members' bar lounge that offers a special and extraordinary experience for those who want to become a member and enjoy the exclusive ambiance it provides. The design of CRONUS focuses on two key aspects: usability and comfort. These aspects play a significant role in creating a sophisticated and high-grade bar lounge.

Upon entering the reception hall, customers are greeted by warm lights that illuminate the space, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The black-frame-mirrored wall surface reflects the customers, providing a unique visual experience. The bookshelves that line the walls give the lounge a luxurious study room vibe, creating a relaxed atmosphere. To add an extraordinary touch, natural rock face reliefs are incorporated into the walls, offering a contrasting element to the artifacts displayed on the bookshelves. The use of champagne gold color throughout the lounge creates a perfect balance between luxury and comfort.

The spacious room is divided by a custom-made wine cellar, which serves as a see-through boundary, connecting the modern space composition with the authentic space composition. The VIP room tables feature randomly-cut wood displayed in glass cases, creating a sense of stability and brittleness. By inverting these two designs, the lounge space and materials acquire a bilateral character, resulting in a sophisticated and high-grade bar lounge.

CRONUS is realized using modern and glamorous design elements. The walls display natural rock face reliefs, providing a unique contrast to the books. The custom-made wine cellar, reaching up to the ceiling, divides the spacious lounge while maintaining a sense of connection between the rooms. The authentic room in the lounge is characterized by its clear definition and contrast with the modern room. The chandelier, designed with Swarovski crystals, hangs from the ceiling, creating a unique transmissive light that contributes to the open space atmosphere. The private room showcases beautiful designs with color unity and a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere, with randomly-cut woods displayed in glass case-like tables.

The CRONUS members' bar is located in Nishi-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The construction period for this project was from March 20th to May 10th, 2012. The bar has a built area of 150.55sqm and can accommodate a maximum of 88 guests.

Aiji Inoue conducted in-depth research on membership businesses to create the concept for CRONUS. By understanding the gap between what people perceive as liking to become a member and the actual experience of being a member, Inoue designed the bar lounge with the concept of "two aspects." This concept is evident in the bookshelves, the modern and authentic atmosphere, and the glass tables in the VIP room. By incorporating this concept, CRONUS maximizes the potential of the membership business.

CRONUS has been recognized for its outstanding design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, evoking positive emotions and amazement.