George: A Memory-Infused Dining Experience

Aiji Inoue's Restaurant Design Blends New York's Past and Present

Aiji Inoue drew inspiration from the fascinating old buildings of New York, where the old and new coexist harmoniously. These buildings have evolved over time, their uses have changed, and their transformations are evident in their facades and overall structures. This dynamic interplay of the past and present is beautifully reflected in George's design.

The restaurant's concept is "a dining designed along with client’s memories." It is a place where one can casually enjoy everyday events, such as meals and drinking parties, while cherishing the American culture and history of modern architecture. The restaurant is built in the image of an old restaurant in New York, with additional structures added gradually, exuding a sense of historical background.

One of the unique features of George is the panorama photo frame in the private room. This design element is inspired by the client's fragmented memories and contributes to the mental structure of the restaurant. The irregular prosperity is inlaid throughout the restaurant, and designs such as patterns found on the existing parquetry floor and the band of light treated in the ceiling give a feeling of unification to the dining area, creating a comfortable feeling of cleanliness and identity.

George's design journey began in December 2015 in Yokohama and was completed in June 2016. The restaurant stands on the ground floor of an old hotel in Yokohama, Japan. The project was a collaboration between Aiji Inoue and Yoshito Nakahara. The design of George has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017, a testament to its remarkable design and innovation.

In conclusion, George is more than just a restaurant. It is a dining experience that takes you on a journey through time, blending the old and new, the past and present, and the personal and universal. It is a celebration of American culture, modern architecture, and the enduring charm of New York's buildings. With its unique design and concept, George is indeed a dining experience designed along with the client's memories.