Mexico’s increasingly world-class architecture and design scene recently reached new levels of distinction with the opening of Tori Tori in Mexico City’s posh Polanco district. The sushi restaurant and lounge inhabits a traditionally styled, early-20th century residence transformed by local architecture firm Rojkind Arquitectos and industrial designer Hector Esrawe into a sophisticated showplace for futuristic design. The project—which took two years to complete—is striking from its first impression, thanks to a one-of-a-kind façade crafted from dual layers of steel plates precisely cut to evoke Polanco’s ever-present green ivy. Some 72 laser-cut panels were made in an auto body shop and then assembled on site to form each layer, explains Rojkind partner Gerardo Salinas, creating much-needed drama for a building limited by local law to only three stories. “Because light constantly moves between the façade, the two pieces together create a ripple affect,” Salinas says. Left: In the clean, minimal reception and dining area beyond, Japanese styling is referenced and the materials skew local. Above: A peek in towards the reception lobby from the exterior of the restaurant. www.hospitalitydesign.com August 2012 113http://www.hospitalitydesign.com