Kashi Kashi: A Cafe Designed for the Dance of Wind

Blurring Boundaries and Creating a Unique Atmosphere

The concept behind Kashi Kashi is the "Dance of Wind." The deep floor space of the cafe allows for excellent natural ventilation, creating a refreshing and comfortable environment. The design incorporates timber pillars strategically placed at both ends of the space, representing the movement of wind within the cafe. These pillars also serve to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding environment.

One of the unique features of Kashi Kashi is the use of 45mm prisms to separate different areas within the cafe, such as the kitchen and drink space. This creates a sense of security for customers while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere. The prisms are left unpainted, allowing the rawness of the material to be experienced and appreciated over time.

The technical specifications of the design include an existing building as the main structure, with AEP paint for the walls, deck plate with spray paint for the ceiling, and clear dust-proof paint on AEP paint for the flooring. The partition walls are constructed using 45mm square wooden pillars.

The Kashi Kashi cafe not only provides a space for enjoying tea and sweets but also aims to foster encounters between people and the place, as well as between people themselves. The inclusion of a garden area further enhances the experience, allowing customers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying their refreshments.

The project, which began in November 2013 and was completed in October 2014, faced various challenges. To keep costs down, the decision was made not to include a door, and walls were replaced with the 45mm prisms. Original lighting fixtures were repurposed as indirect lighting, adding to the simplicity and elegance of the space.

Kashi Kashi has been recognized for its outstanding design, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2017. This award acknowledges the creativity and ingenuity of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life.

With its unique concept, blurring of boundaries, and attention to detail, Kashi Kashi stands as a testament to the power of design to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also provide a memorable experience for visitors.