carlo berarducci architecture recreates kyoto temple in zensushi

carlo berarducci architecture recreates kyoto temple in zensushi
all images © fernando guerra/FG+SG

the ‘zensushi’ japanese restaurant designed by carlo berarducci architecture in rome, was conceived as a linear process. steps and direction changes are taken bit by bit, continually leading deeper into the eatery, but never losing the innate sense of openness. lacquered wood cladding, suspended, reflective ceilings, black marble walls, and a backlit rice paper showcase all accent the space, translating directly from the fushimi inari temple of kyoto. 

marble sushi counter 
image © FG+SG

partial dividers and walls are formed by closely placed black wooden shingles, partly lacquered in deep red-orange. the ceilings, in the same color, define and emphasize perspective changes; while simultaneously full-height black marble walls act as a mirrored backdrop. the same marble — with a brushed finished — composes the reception desk and sushi bar. stuck between two backlit pieces of glass is a wall of rice paper. the central focus of the space, it provides a subtle spotlight for the kaiten –sushi conveyer — and the sushi master. black floors and ceilings fade into the negative space, accentuating the fiery red-orange color scheme. 

‘zensushi’ is organized linearly, leading from one place to another 
image © FG+SG

deep red and slatted division wall
image © FG+SG

table top and restaurant length
image © FG+SG

black and red play off one another 
image © FG+SG

red partition
image © FG+SG

illuminated rice paper wall 
image © FG+SG

from entrance 
image © FG+SG

the rice paper wall spotlights the sushi master 
image © FG+SG

fushimi inari temple in kyoto

plan and sections

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