atelier tsuyoshi tane architects fills tokyo dining venue with trees and soil-lined walls

GYRE is an MVRDV-designed shopping mall in tokyo, which contains an eclectic mix of international stores and restaurants. responding to the scheme’s ‘one floor, one concept’ philosophy, atelier tsuyoshi tane architects (ATTA) has designed a new 1,000 square meter space that serves as the building’s food court. the setting, which opened under the name ‘GYRE.FOOD’ in november 2019, occupies the structure’s fourth floor.

all images by daici ano

ATTA, the paris-based firm led by japanese architect tsuyoshi tane, says that the design of GYRE.FOOD is inspired by soil — an element that is vital to the cycle of life. the space’s floor and walls are covered with different soils that are reminiscent of a cave in the back of a dense forest, a tropical jungle, and even ancient city ruins. this integrated setting includes restaurants, shops, and bars, and is capable of hosting a range of events.

through its design, ATTA aims to question the future of food based on past eating habits. by attempting to influence the future of tokyo’s food culture, ATTA hopes to give an opportunity for guests to think about the climate, life cycles, and environmental issues while enjoying a meal. see other projects by atelier tsuyoshi tane architects on designboom here, including a recent exhibition of the firm’s work in brazil.

project info:

name: GYRE.FOOD
status: completed (nov. 2019)
location: tokyo, japan
date: 2019
area: 1,000 sqm
program: restaurant, bar, shop, event space
architect: atelier tsuyoshi tane architects
concept: tsuyoshi tane
project team: misaki nozawa, daisuke maeda, fernando cremades, matthew nowicki, paul trussler, mathilde despinois, yosuke tsukamoto
local architect: hiroki sato (CUP inc.)
lighting design: izumi okayasu lighting design
planting design: atelier daishizen + SOLSO
photography: daici ano