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Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects Conjure “Various Sizes of Air”

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An intriguing series of spaces punctuated by holes in the ceilings marks this as the work of Tokyo studio Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects, who have previously cut holes in floors.

Their latest work plays with what the Japanese firm poetically describes as “various sizes of air” (or google translate is the poet)

“How to make a border as air of such inside and outside is tried” another poetic translation that hints at the gist of the idea attempted in this work.

In their Tablehat Cafe, intimate seating arrangements fall sometimes beneath “roofs”, so that they seem to offer the option of sitting either “outside”, or “inside.”

Some of these meandering courtyards are only large enough to accommodate a single table.

But added together the many overlapping veils of glass reflecting light in each direction create an ethereal spaciousness.

The creation of space is so great that it is a surprise to see the building from the outside.

The Tablehat Cafe is actually quite a small building compared with its neighbours.

The feeling of being outdoors is an illusion, created by series of huge glass skylights, together with pebbles on the “ground” in “outdoor” spaces.

Glass screens allow views across the courtyards from each of the five dining areas that comprise the Tablehat cafe.

It is not at first clear how rain would be dealt with in this unusual approach to roofing.

But then you notice the straightforward pipes on this side of each rain collection section. What an elegant solution.

The plan reveals just how many of these courtyard gardens there are, and how intertwined they are with the interior spaces.

It all comes together as a welcoming and charming neighbourhood cafe.