Starbucks Coffee Shop, Tokyo

Tokyo based architects Kengo Kuma and Associates decided to switch up the vibe of coffee shops when Starbucks wanted to set up shop on the street that leads straight to the Dazaifu Tenmagu, a holy shrine dedicated to a Japanese deity. Kuma wanted to make sure the design of the store fit in with it’s surroundings, in order to respect the sanctity of the grounds.

Because of this Kuma was able to spice up the Starbucks shop without compromising the company’s successful brand identity. The approach was reminiscent of traditional carpentry, as the team connected small square wooden blocks together to create a 3D pattern which reaches up the walls and to the ceiling. The wood pieces start in the back of the shop and move forward throughout the space, until they shoot out of the glass facade, which is set back 10′ from the street to allow for outdoor seating. Angular banquette seating was situated against one wall, while small individual wood desks are attached to the opposite wall. The eye-popping shop is a refreshing change from Starbucks usual manufactured interior style, we can’t help but want more coffee spots like this!

(Photography: Kengo Kuma)