Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
by Wolfgang Zwiener TEPPAN
Balancing intimacy and openness:
Creating Comfortable Spaces Between People
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
by Wolfgang Zwiener TEPPAN
Balancing intimacy and openness:
Creating Comfortable Spaces Between People
Located in Ginza, “Wolfgang’s Steakhouse TEPPAN” is the first teppanyaki concept restaurant from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse; a New York-origin steakhouse with locations worldwide. With a vision to expand from Japan to the world, the design concept centers around “ZEN,” cultivating an elegant ambiance that embodies Wolfgang’s essence.
First and foremost, I focused on creating a refined environment. Instead of creating a theme around the term “manners,” I created a space that exudes the unique, poised atmosphere characteristic of Japanese culture, allowing enjoyment without imposition of set rules. I wanted to portray an international design, while being inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy of Zen; I used a subtractive approach where the details were accentuated. By utilizing natural materials such as stones and wood that develop character over time, I accentuated their rough yet delicate charms.
A subtractive design that makes the most of the rugged and delicate natural materials of stone and wood.
Arrange the space with consideration for the distance between people to create a comfortable and stress-relieving effect.
The facade stands quietly amid the hustle and bustle of Ginza. The entrance appears halfway down the long ribbed wall, with the word "TEPPAN" written on it.
The facade is boldly closed off, which intentionally signals Wolfgang's exclusivity. By creating a barrier from the outside world, the guests are invited into a secluded realm of sophistication. In contrast to the facade, the path beyond the entrance is designed to embody a space that is both intimate yet open. As a key element of this "intimate yet open" space, the sense of distance between people becomes crucial. In the restaurant, there are people seated enjoying their meals while others are moving within the space: I took this into account the vantage points where moments of overlap occur naturally while maintaining a physical distance that preserves privacy. The counter facing the teppanyaki, private rooms, and the bar lounge are strategically positioned to maintain elegance while providing comfort and alleviating tension.
Maki Watanabe
Masumi Shimada
Aiko M. Ordovez
Naohiro Sunako
While wanting to incorporate Japanese elements, I avoided direct expressions like Japanese gardens or traditional dry landscapes. Instead, I based my approach on the underlying philosophy rather than appearances.
While there are moments where I apply common logic to the design, there are also times where the final design is inspired by just a word.
Not just scrape it off, Maximize the original value
The basis of the concept of Zen is not just to scrape off, but to maximize the attractiveness of the facial expressions and modeling that the material originally has by using human skills and sensibilities.
Typically, high-end private rooms are designed with windows that offer nice views, but I avoided this convention, rethinking the balance of the entire space.
天井のディテール検証
Maintaining high air clarity contributes to comfort, making technical air management design essential. Therefore, seamlessly integrating large air management systems into the design is crucial.
No matter how luxurious the setting, I don’t want it to feel too imposing or exclusive. In every project, I aim to create a welcoming and approachable atmosphere.
The distance between each table and each chair are extremely important. When there is too much distance between objects in a space, it can actually make people feel less invited and open-minded. Therefore, the balance is crucial.
Creating moments where personal zones overlap, is something I do whether it’d be intuitively or deliberately.
検討段階の動線イメージ
Distance can be perceived differently among people when they are standing versus when they are sitting.
My favorite spot in the restaurant is where I can overlook people enjoying their meals. There is no specific view but it’s my favorite spot.
