The Ocean: A Chapel Redefining Wedding Spaces

Atsuhiko Sugiyama's Award-Winning Design Inspired by the Sea

The Ocean, as the project is aptly named, is a wedding hall designed to give a feeling of 'buoyancy', free from "gravity". The design creates an illusion of standing at the bottom of the ocean, looking up towards the surface. This unique concept was inspired by the port and sea of Yokohama, Japan, and combines elements of history and the future, creating a space that is both familiar and futuristic.

What sets The Ocean apart from other wedding halls is its free design. It is not confined by strict traditions, making it an ideal space for the many non-religious people in Japan. The chapel is a testament to Sugiyama's innovative approach to design, challenging traditional norms and expectations.

The realization of The Ocean was a feat of design and technology. Acrylic balls representing water bubbles and a floor covered with white, sparkling fine stones symbolizing the sand at the bottom of the sea, create a sense of being underwater. The walls, made from light brown wooden materials, feature curved lines that mimic the movement of the sea, further enhancing the underwater illusion.

Despite the design challenges, including creating a terrestrial space that gives a feeling of being underwater and using decorations and lighting to mimic water bubbles, Sugiyama successfully created a space that provides a beautiful feeling of buoyancy. The Ocean is not just a wedding hall, but a testament to the power of innovative design and the potential it has to transform spaces and experiences.

For his extraordinary work, Sugiyama was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. It is a testament to Sugiyama's innovative approach to design and his ability to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful.