Straight lines and their original charm

I've always liked the classic style with its slightly curved lines. It seemed to me that it was only in this way, slightly rounded, that wood brings out its beauty and warmth. I have to admit that the Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma & Associates made me recognize that you can also find them in the straight lines of wooden planks or beams. The Japanese firm has projects all over the world, and in many of them they use wood to create special effects inside buildings or on their facades. To convince you I'll show you two of their works.

Starbucks cafe in Tokyo

Starbucks coffee shop in Tokyo is open on a street leading to Dazaifu Tenmagu, a shrine dedicated to a Japanese deity. The company contacted the architectural firm and asked them to combine the famous café's character with the local one in an original way and with respect for the place considered holy by the Japanese.

With the help of straight pieces of wood tied together Kengo Kuma & Associates have managed to give the café a very original look. The whole arrangement forms a 3D image with the straight lines of the wood. It starts at the back of the café, stretches along the walls and ceiling, covering the whole space. In this way, the café remains a modern place but takes on a traditional look.

Cafe Kureon Restaurant in Toyama

Cafe Kureon Restaurant in Toyama is practically located on a meadow. In this case, straight lines are used to create an illusion. Straight wooden beams are aligned parallel to the ground on the facade of the restaurant. The wood does not touch the ground giving the illusion of floating.

The restaurant itself is made of glass, the wood having only an artistic and decorative role. It covers the outside of the glass construction like Lego pieces perpendicular to each other, giving the restaurant a grid-like appearance.

The two layouts reflect much of the traditional Japanese style. The straight wood, the seamless joints, the simple, straight and minimalist structures are characteristic of this style. That's not to say they don't have warmth, beauty and elegance. Again, the wood shows us why I appreciate it so much. No matter the style, the shape, the look, the finish, it always manages to get its message across.