Hierarchy

Creating a space that fosters connection and belonging both socially and spatially. 

The design of this sake house is shaped by historical contexts yet is mindful of its modern setting. Through research, we found that sake plays an important role in Japanese society on many levels, ranging from formal ceremonial to more casual encounters. The ways in which sake can be shared and enjoyed are numerous and complex, but what stood out to us most was the potential for sake to be used to transcend social stratifications. We aimed to convey the importance of its role in social interactions through special consideration of program placement and indoor and outdoor relationships. 

The experience of visitors coming to the sake house starts before they even step foot on the site. As one comes off of the busy streets of Osaka, they are met by two walls that partially obscure their vision, but also draw their attention upwards to elements situated higher up and pique their interest for what lies beyond. As one moves through this entry sequence, they can begin to shed their worries from the day and be met by the rest of the site lying before them. Directly ahead is a sunken bar area. A karaoke pit and the main kitchen lie beyond on the same axis. On either side are slightly enclosed seating areas from which people sit and observe the scene before them while chatting with those next to them. 

For a clearer view of what’s going on around the site, one can go up to different levels. The series of stairs and platforms that radiate out and around the site are arranged such that people can stop and linger around others.. More seating can be found on these micro-levels, giving one views of the fun in the karaoke pit. The private rooms situated at the highest point on-site are inspired by engawas; these rooms have the most sightlines. 

Through playing with levels and varying degrees of openness, we hope to promote interactions and bonds between people despite social differences.