This project involved the renovation of an existing building located within Setonaikai National Park in Naruto, Tokushima, transforming the former premises into a new retail shop and café.

The Existing Building

The existing building consisted of two distinct structures: a 50-year-old reinforced-concrete structure to the north and a 30-year-old steel structure to the south. The differing structural systems resulted in different ceiling heights, while an expansion joint physically separated the two areas. Rather than trying to unify these contrasting conditions, we chose to embrace them and develop each area according to its own spatial character.

Creating a New Landscape for Naruto

Naruto is one of the gateways to Tokushima. Our aim was to incorporate elements rooted in Tokushima’s culture into the architecture, creating a place that could communicate the identity of the region to visitors while bringing renewed activity to the site. We envisioned the project becoming part of a new landscape for Naruto—a destination where people could gather and experience the area.

Above the café service area, portions of the existing ceiling were removed to create greater height. The exposed ceiling void was finished in indigo blue, a color deeply associated with Tokushima and its tradition of indigo dyeing, giving the café a distinctive spatial identity.

For both the café and retail areas, we designed pendant lights inspired by the amigasa, the woven hats worn by dancers during Awa Odori. Arranged in clusters, the lights create a sense of activity that extends toward the surrounding park while forming a recognizable visual landmark for the shop.

From the seating area, visitors can look out toward the surrounding greenery and the Ōnaruto Bridge, making the most of the openness and expansive views of the site.

In the retail area, pale-blue Awa washi dyed with indigo is incorporated into the display fixtures, gently defining the shop from the café while maintaining a sense of continuity between the two spaces.

We hope that UZUrhythm will become a catalyst for renewed activity here, bringing visitors back to this place and contributing to a new and lively destination in Naruto.