Marugo Shinbashi: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Futoshi Masuda's Award-Winning Design Combines Japanese Materials with Western Elements

The restaurant's design was inspired by its location in a busy, crowded area. To enhance the restaurant's visibility and convey the lively atmosphere of the wine bar, Masuda incorporated the restaurant's circular logo into the interior design. This clever design feature is incorporated into the wine-red wall and the bench, creating a striking and memorable visual effect.

What sets Marugo Shinbashi apart from other restaurants is its unique use of color and materials. The red color of the counterback, the buttoned bench, and the copper panel used for the elements of the ocean and Takaoka copperware on the entire wall combine to create a unique aesthetic that is neither wholly Japanese nor Western. This fusion of styles results in a unique dining experience that is both comfortable and visually appealing.

The restaurant was realized using a variety of materials, including colored copper plates of Takaoka copperware, wine red tiles, cube brick tiles, and mahogany wood. The use of these materials not only contributes to the restaurant's unique aesthetic but also reflects the designer's commitment to using high-quality, durable materials.

The design process for Marugo Shinbashi was not without its challenges. One of the main challenges was ensuring that the light from the circular logo was clear and visible. To achieve this, a full-size mockup was made and the installation position of the indirect lighting was adjusted.

Marugo Shinbashi has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. Marugo Shinbashi's unique design certainly embodies these qualities, making it a worthy recipient of this award.