Suetomi AOQ Cafe Stand, designed by G architects studio in collaboration with Ryohei Tanaka, is a striking addition to the urban fabric of Kyoto's Karasuma-dori street.
Situated within a mere meter of depth, this diminutive coffee stand subtly embeds itself into the bustling intersection of hotels and office buildings, offering a unique spatial experience that blends effortlessly into its surroundings while serving as a distinct marker of Suetomi's confectionery legacy. The careful orchestration of spatial constraints and material choices reflects a deep sensitivity to the local context and the storied history of its parent brand.
The design process for the Suetomi AOQ Cafe Stand was characterized by a seemingly straightforward floor plan, dictated by the shallow depth of the space. However, the project's complexity emerged in the treatment of its vertical surfaces. The design team meticulously engineered the aging of copper on the facade, using soy sauce and chemical treatments to accelerate the oxidation process. This approach not only imbues the structure with a weathered, patinated aesthetic reminiscent of Suetomi’s iconic "Suetomi blue" but also subtly references the traditional techniques and cultural heritage of Kyoto.
Strategically positioned, the stand functions as a visual cue, guiding visitors towards Suetomi's flagship store located just minutes away. The intentional patination of the facade, permitted under strict cityscape regulations, leverages natural oxidation processes to create a rich, timeworn palette. This palette serves both as a homage to the brand's longevity and as a narrative device that connects the modern cafe stand to the historic confectionery traditions of Kyoto.
At night, the transformation of the cafe stand into a luminous urban feature underscores its dual function as both a street lamp and a billboard. The roll screen, made from mesh typically used in construction scaffolding, cleverly references bamboo blinds once associated with Japanese nobility. This thoughtful detail not only protects the resting area when the cafe is closed but also continues to engage with the urban environment, casting a warm glow that invites passersby to engage with the space and, by extension, the rich history of Suetomi.
