La Boca Centro: A Fusion of Spanish and Japanese Cuisine

Aiji Inoue's Award-Winning Restaurant Design in Nagoya, Japan

Aiji Inoue's design for La Boca Centro is not just about creating a space for dining; it's about creating an experience. The design is unique in its approach to space division. Rather than using partitions and walls to divide the space, Inoue has visualized each area's character through color contrast, tile patterns, pendant luminary designs, and table heights. Kitchens and bar counters are placed separately, serving as icons for each area and creating a context scenery reminiscent of Spanish cities and off-streets.

The color scheme of the restaurant is another unique feature. It integrates Japan’s traditional color code, inspired by the four seasons, and tone colors to create a pleasant, carnival-like atmosphere. As the day progresses, the bar transitions from being filled with young people to being enjoyed by characteristic adults, creating a dynamic and interactive environment.

La Boca Centro is not just a restaurant; it's a cultural hub. It stands near Nagoya station with high visibility, inviting locals and tourists alike to experience Spanish cuisine and wine in a uniquely Japanese setting. The project, which started in July 2017 and finished in November of the same year, has successfully created a space where the old and the new coexist, much like the Spanish buildings that inspired Inoue.

The design of La Boca Centro has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, it was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

La Boca Centro is a testament to Aiji Inoue's innovative design approach and his ability to create spaces that not only serve a functional purpose but also cultivate cultural exchanges and experiences. It's a design that truly captures the essence of Spanish and Japanese cuisine and culture, offering a unique dining experience in the heart of Nagoya.