kenji yanagawa brings japanese tradition to george's pie

kenji yanagawa brings japanese tradition to ‘george’s pie’

all images courtesy of kenji yanagawa architects and associates

‘goerge’s pie’ is an australian-influenced deli cafe in kobe, japan that maintains its native identity with a design by osaka-based architect kenji yanagawa. divided into two levels, the overlaid plans recall a typical 4 1/2 tatami mat layout extruded. the first floor is cut into thirds comprising an outdoor area, the service area, and the kitchen behind. perpendicular segments protrude these programs as bathroom and stairs to the north, and a patio with seating to the south. upstairs, the bathroom is offset from the one below, extending the east-west figure. its width defines a double-height space above the cafeteria, enclosed to one side by a glass curtain wall, and to the other by a railing at the edge of the seating area. this void is only penetrated by a small bridge that leads to an outdoor balcony. the transparent enclosure makes the spaces feel unified, and allows light to infiltrate the space. inside a singular piloti serves as a reminder of the organizing system amidst the open plan.

upstairs seating overlooks the landscape and courtyard; outdoor accommodation extends beyond the enclosed service area

photo © kazushi hirano, atelier k

large openings in the opaque building shell provide light and views to the landscape, while articulating spaces in the tatami mat proportions. a penetration in the north-south direction defines the entrance, courtyard and seating terraces. a vertical cut in the roof outlines the perimeter of the central lawn. this is repeated at the ground level by stairs leading to the seating balcony, a pedestrian pathway, and the entry vestibule. beyond, a tiled area on the ground floor delineates the area for outdoor eating of the same dimensions of the bar above. the repetition of proportions, and layering of intersecting spaces turns a solid mass into a spacious volume capable of accommodating a variety of programs, regardless of the culture it superimposes.

a singular piloti interrupts the space, denoting the proportion of a half tatami mat at the intersection of the outdoor seating area and kitchen below

photo © kazushi hirano, atelier k