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Takeen: Biomimetic Omakase Bar

ODE, a design firm based in Kuala Lumpur, has unveiled Takeen, a biomimetic omakase bar that draws inspiration from the natural surroundings of bamboo. The design integrates plant morphology, particularly bamboo, with the functional requirements of the brief, creating a dichotomy between the bar and its neighbors. Diverging from the existing array of rectangular concrete forms, the fluid, biomimetic design of Takeen emerged from the mathematical interpretation of leaf and branching patterns found in plants. As the entrance, bar, and kitchen walls slowly bifurcate and converge, it creates an organic continuation of space that is in harmony with nature.

The organic design of Takeen began with organizing the programmatic requirements of the omakase bar and kitchen in relation to site constraints. Limitations in the depth of the existing space generated a residual area that became the starting point of the plant-based growth patterns throughout the design. The result provides 37 percent more storage space than what was originally required, eliminating the sight of glassware, servingware, containers, etc. to maximize the experience of bamboo.

Takeen offsets the total carbon emitted from the use of lightweight concrete blocks and tiles through bamboo materials. The total amount of carbon stored by using 25mm wide x 15mm thick and 5mm wide x 25mm thick strips of bamboo and timber is 20.31 tons. In comparison, the total amount of carbon emitted from the use of lightweight concrete blocks and tiles is 1.538 tons. By using bamboo and a timber structure, the project stores 18.77 tons more carbon than it emits.

Dr. Kody Kato and Jean Kian Soon, the design team members, led the project, incorporating the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio into the design parameters of Takeen. The biomimetic design challenges were overcome by customizing the entire space to seamlessly construct the curved bamboo walls with the shelves, countertops, and cabinets, each having different radii. The omakase bar counter tops were prefabricated into various sized panels using 5mm wide strips of bamboo and installed on site first. Then, thin strips of bamboo were installed individually to create continuity between the different curved surfaces.

Takeen offers a unique dining experience where bamboo is experienced as a material, system, and immaterial space. The natural smell and touch of bamboo combined with the geometrical translation of its growth patterns into space and form enlightens the senses. As light cascades down its undulating forms, an amalgamation of shadow, material, and organic space is experienced. From the existing corridor, the entrance branches off into the space, creating a natural flow between inside and outside. Internally, the walls, cabinets, counter tops, and shelves seamlessly flow into one another through a discrete set of curved geometry, creating a working area that is easy to operate and an experience of bamboo's intrinsic nature that is unique to Takeen.

The project started in March 2022 and finished in January 2023. The design of Takeen has been awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2023 for its outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

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