El Equipo Creativo fuses references from Brazil and Japan in the design of Ikibana restaurant.

The design studio El Equipo Creativo has created the interior of the Barcelonese restaurant Ikibana in the Paral.lel district, a project that just like the cuisine on offer draws from two distinct cultures: Japan and Brazil. Although very different, both coincide with their deep connection to the natural environment that surrounds them.

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Whilst Brazil is known for its carefree and happy attitude, dense jungles and crystalline beaches, Japan is known for its respect to nature, as demonstrated in the art of Ikebana – or floral arrangement. Ikebana signifies the balance of the proportion, composition and balance between branches, leaves and flowers. These values are evident in this project; an artificial landscape that is in constant movement and conceived in fine, natural materials.

Ikibana restaurant is structured around various islands. In this way, the bars and kitchen area are well defined, whilst patrons enjoy their meal surrounded by a set of colourful tables. The facades and ceiling play the rol of the leaves and wood in an Ikebana piece. On one hand, wood is the principal material in the art of Ikebana, hence its use on the walls and ceiling. On the other hand, the green facade acts as a curtain that diffuses the light and creates a barrier between the interior and exterior, providing with a warm and welcoming space.

The three curved bars have been inspired by those that are encountered in old ships. Their surfaces are made of three different types of wood, with details hailing from traditional Japanese carpentry.

The roof is full of impact: a forest of interwoven branches that filters the light in an irregular manner, projecting an interplay of shadow and light all over the place. It has been executed using eight sheets different in shape made of Mongoy tropical wood, hung in varying positions. These were initially conceived digitally in 3D and later moulded and formed in a workshop.