The Catch Restaurant | Open Architecture Design

We drew inspiration from the wabi-sabi philosophy or the Japanese worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, austerity and modesty, as well as an appreciation of natural shapes, materials and processes. 

The interior therefore embraces techniques such as shou sugi ban (wood burning) and kintsugi (repairing broken pottery with touches of gold). To hint at modern day Tokyo, we integrated neon lighting and manga-inspired features. 

The restaurant is a labour of love with many pieces handmade by craftsmen. The main table, for example, is a bespoke creation made from solid wood and epoxy resin. The boat-shaped light is a custom design in the shape of a wasen or traditional Japanese vessel. 

Since The Catch is both a day and night time venue, we exercised our skills in lighting design to ensure non-competing atmospheres.

Team: Zane Tetere – Sulce, Olga Ponomarjova, Beatrise Dzerve.