KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN

The Blue Bottle Coffee Minatomirai Cafe project by Keiji Ashizawa Design occupies an open glass-walled building adjacent to a leafy park. Its design emphasises the smooth, elegant curves of wooden surfaces, specifically chosen to enhance the warmth and cosiness of the space.


We were tapped by Californian coffee brand Blue Bottle Coffee to design their second cafe in the seaside city of Yokohama, Japan. The cafe is symbolically located in the heart of a plaza with the aim of generating a welcoming atmosphere. Natural materials are embraced throughout, with Japanese oak being the material of choice for the majority of furniture and fittings. A soft circular shape is repeatedly used throughout the space; from the coffee bar to the ring-shaped custom light fixtures, as well as bespoke furniture made specifically for this project by Japan’s largest wooden furniture manufacturer Karimoku Furniture. This repeating motif creates a sense of centredness in both the interior and exterior.


Taking the surrounding landscape into consideration, we designed a circular stacking bench that would be easy for Blue Bottle Coffee staff to take in and out on a daily basis. These tailor-made pieces are an extension of the interior design when placed among existing greenery and public art - in a sense, acting as missing puzzle pieces that harmonise with the landscape.


We paid particular attention to lighting solutions, as a variety of needs required specific designs for bespoke fixtures. The lighting plan was designed with the theme of soft light at night that would entice people walking in the park to stop by; a warm glow that would gently illuminate its surroundings like a nightlight. Lighting structures suspended above the semi-circular counter, as well as the 1.8 m diameter table were made by Karimoku with the same Japanese oak used for the coffee bar and other furniture pieces, adding a sense of unity. The light above the counter directs light both evenly down onto the surface and upwards toward the ceiling, producing an effect that even impacts how the glass case is viewed. Skillfully made of wooden slats arranged as louvres to reduce glare, they contribute to the overall quality of the interior by adding an air of expert craftsmanship.


In order to protect the fireproof finish on the interior columns, we wrapped paper cord (a material more often used in seating production) from the base of the column up to match the height of the counter. Furniture and spatial components both share subtle touches like this to enhance and unify one’s experience of the space. Under the Karimoku Case Study brand, furniture designed in collaboration with Copenhagen-based design studio Norm Architects for the space have now been incorporated into the brand’s lineup.


Although nearly one year has passed since the cafe’s opening, on the weekends, families who live nearby still frequently visit. We are reminded that as designers (or as a large brand like Blue Bottle Coffee) we wield the power to, through even just a simple interior project, contribute to creating more vibrant communities.