Starbucks Fukuoka
The Starbucks is situated on the street that leads to Dazaifu Tenmagu, a shrine dedicated to a Japanese deity. Kuma says he did not want the cafe to appear detached from its setting.
Kuma used 6cm square blocks giving them a functional role as part of the ceiling support. The blocks intersect obliquely, suggesting branches in a forest. The architect wanted to suggest that Starbucks is nestling in a tree.
The best reason for using wooden blocks, Kuma adds, is that they are recyclable. ‘You can dismantle the building and reassemble it somewhere else,’ he says.
Photos courtesy Kengo Kuma.