Commercial Architecture June 2017 - 36

PROJECT

interiors
force the sense of authenticity, the architect collaborated with Jinya Tokyo
and incorporated a traditional artwork installation above the ramen bar area.
The light fixtures and the white stones symbolizing burnt coal were also
shipped directly from Japan.
The communal-table dining concept, something not typically seen in
western-style restaurants in the United States, celebrates the unique Japanese
way of enjoying ramen and the spirit of collective dining found in many
Asian cultures that encourage conversation. The architect infused the design
with modern dining elements. A bar that serves traditional Japanese beer and
sake, along with wine, is incorporated into the restaurant near the entrance. It
serves as part of the waiting area and also a place for casual social gathering
and watching sporting events.
The restaurant is meant to be functional and efficient, according to the
architect. Modern construction material and methods, such as sealed and
polished concrete and an open ceilings concept, were introduced. "These
design strategies help dramatically reduce construction and maintenance cost
and create an aesthetic quality that complements the more-traditional design
elements in the space. The ceiling was painted black to draw less attention as
customers approach the main dining area. The mirrors above the booth seating further enhance the visual effect and facilitate the perception of a larger
space," he said.
"Although we were hired by the franchisee, we worked closely with corporate Jinya to make sure that the design works with corporate guidelines. The
process was highly interactive. We held numerous meetings with Mr. Takahashi to discuss expectations. We also carefully coordinated with Jinya's master chef to understand the restaurant's daily operation and the requirements
of the kitchen space," Yu-Ngok Lo said.

Above. The communal-table dining concept celebrates the unique Japanese way of enjoying ramen and the spirit of
collective dining found in many Asian cultures.

The corporate Jinya design guideline includes standards ranging from
company logo to color of the ramen bowl, he explained. "It was an interesting
collaboration, incorporating Jinya's guidelines ideas into our design. Jinya's
belief that enjoying ramen is a ritual rather than merely a necessity inspired us

Below. The design concept is to offer customers a modern yet comfortable environment that embodies the Japanese
dining experience.

tremendously throughout the design process. As a result, we were able to push
the boundary and create a space where traditional Japanese culinary and
modern dining experience interweave."
Yu-Ngok Lo noted that the delivery method of the project was a challenge
since it was the firm's first out-of-state project. "Although the design documents we produced were very close to the construction document level, we
worked closely with the local design team, HC Architect & Associates, Houston, during the permitting and construction phase," he said. "Adjustments
had to be made during the process due to local code issues and product availability. We also worked directly with the contractor and corporate Jinya to
make sure the design intent was being met during construction. Many of the
materials selected for the project and the conceptual renderings we produced
during the design phase were later incorporated into the Jinya design guideline as an example for future franchise restaurants."
Constructed within budget, the successful project has become a new anchor point in the midtown Houston district. CA

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COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

JUNE 2017

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YNL Architects
Jinya Ramen Bar

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture June 2017