schemata architects collaborates with the public to build japanese café

schemata architects collaborates with the public to build japanese café
photography by kenta hasegawa

using team work, up-cycling and re-usable materials, jo nagasaka / schemata architects have created the ‘DAY café’ in shizuoka, japan. encompassing a ‘handmade’ cafe, the interiors were constructed through a series of open workshops. under the instruction of designers, the public were taught how to craft the chairs, lamp shades and bookshelves, which are now used within the café. this collaborative process enabled people from all backgrounds to contribute in developing a communicative environment and most of all, a community spirit aiding the the warm and pleasant setting within the eatery.

open workshops were held in how to craft the chairs, tables, and bookshelves

‘our challenge was to get everybody involved in the making of this cafe called day. it is usually difficult to involve amateurs in the making process, as  the quality would inevitably be lowered. on the other hand, i don’t think it is ideal to have experts achieve a perfect quality, because users might feel too intimidated to touch and change it.’ comments jo nagasaka ‘we designed a cafe that allows for everybody’s involvement in the making process, so that the cafe will be loved as their own place, and that the place will continue to change and grow while embracing all visitors.’ 

the kitchen within the DAY café

the interiors embodies a hand crafted nature

fumikazu ohara (soup design) developed the graphic design and yoshitaka haba (bach) did the book direction

the recycled chairs were made under the instruction of schemata architects

the exterior of the café in japan

plywood, corrugated panels were used in the entrance

the cafe that enabled people’s involvement during the making process, so it would be treasured as ‘their own place’

the scheme at night