OEO Studio x noma Kyoto
Danish design studio OEO, showcases its signature Japandi style for the newest noma pop-up in Kyoto.
From March 15-May 20, Rene Redzepi, renowned chef and founder of noma restaurant in Copenhagen, opens a pop-up in Kyoto, with cuisine inspired by local ingredients harvested during the Sakura blossoms. The pop up is housed in the Ace Hotel, and the interiors were done in collaboration with Stellar Works and Danish design studio, OEO. In line with Redzepi’s signature style, the dining experience is beautifully crafted and the interiors were designed to reflect Redzepi’s culinary vision, the exquisiteness of his food and of Kyoto itself.
The warm and tactile space features cabinets by Time & Style, wall lamps by Santa & Cole, and the Aya collection of tables and chairs, which blend Scandinavian aesthetics with Japanese sensibilities, putting craftsmanship and noble materials at the forefront. OEO’s design vision merges seamlessly with Redzepi’s approach to ingredients and cooking, letting materials lead the way in the final design. The light wooden frames are balanced with soft earthy tones and textures of the seat; Minimal yet inviting and comfortable, elegant and in harmony with its surroundings.
OEO Studio was naturally inspired by Kyoto’s rich history for craftsmanship, and they worked with several local craftspeople for various pieces in the restaurant including Yokoyama Tatami for the coloured tatami mats that are used as acoustic wall screens and room dividers. OEO Studio also collaborated with Natural Material Studio, from Copenhagen, and a local Tengui maker, using bamboo structures to create the illusion of an underwater kelp forest. In this same theme, Jonas Edvard, the creator of the Algae Paper Lamp, designed bespoke pendant lamps made from compressed seaweed, which were originally developed for noma in Copenhagen in 2018
Redezepi writes, “It takes about two years to plan a noma pop-up. Everything needs to be thoroughly considered – from the choice of produce and producers to what the restaurant should look like. Here, we had no doubt at all that OEO Studio were the right people for the project. With all their experience and expertise in design and craftsmanship in Japan, it has been a perfect match. OEO Studio has managed to create a space for noma Kyoto that is based on our identity yet also shows great respect for local design and craftsmanship.”
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