Japanese Stew Kiosk

Japanese cuisine has become a worldwide trend, with the likes of ramen and sushi now being a common dish people eat. However, more traditional meals of Japanese culture, such as Hayashi rice (Japanese Stew) are yet to be embraced by the Western world.

My kiosk specialised in serving Heyashi Rice and therefore, I had to ensure my design was engaging to generate interest in an unknown dish; whilst retaining key elements of Japanese architecture. To elevate the design, I designed a dynamic and bold design that retained its link to traditional Japanese architecture, whilst creating a more modern and sleek design that would possibly be more enticing and familiar to western cultures.

I took inspiration from traditional roof designs, in particular Hogyo (square pyramidal roof) style roofs, as they created dynamic angles; which I over-exaggerated to create a large and dynamic roof that added to the overall aesthetic of the design, but also created shade and shelter for the customers. For the back and sides of the kiosk, I wanted to create a unique pattern that resembled Japanese architecture using timber carpentry, in particular to resemble decorative ornaments, similar to the exterior of the Pierhead building. Thus, to create a cohesive design I designed the pattern to be representative of a Japanese pattern known as Uroko (scales). The Uroko (scales) on the back wall are visually interesting but also functional. Through lifting up, they become an interactive way for the customer to engage with the building – providing a flexible seating and dining area, that works for those wishing to sit or stand to dine and also being fully accessible for wheelchair users. Modern day cooking methods for the Hayashi rice is within a Dutch oven; which I did not feel would engage customers; with this method not providing any visual stimulation. I therefore, focused on show-casing the traditional cooking method of Heyashi rice, by cooking the stew in a pot hanging over an open fire. This immediately created visual interest for passing customers.

Even though the kiosk is a permanent structure, I wanted to ensure that the design had multiple purposes. Thus, when the structure is no longer be used as a food kiosk, the windows, roof and cooking equipment will be removed leaving the wooden, rectangular structure. This structure can then be used for children to play on as a tactile structure, hiding textures underneath the liftable panels e.g., the grey shaded areas, and even included fun facts about the bay for a more mature audience.