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Award-Winning Izakaya 9am 5pm Showcases Tainan's Cultural Legacy Through Material Innovation and User-Centric Design

Izakaya 9am 5pm, a newly opened restaurant in Tainan, Taiwan, has received the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award for 2025. Designed by squaremeter Design Studio, the project stands out for its sensitive integration of Tainan's rich historical context with modern design sensibilities. The restaurant's concept centers on preserving the rustic charm of its location while infusing the space with renewed vitality, achieved through the thoughtful use of raw materials and collaborative craftsmanship.

At the heart of the design is a handcrafted concrete bar counter, which not only serves as the focal point of the space but also embodies the spirit of community. The owner's participation in the chiseling process of the bar deepened the connection between the space, its patrons, and its proprietor. Surrounding the bar are untreated copper plates and raw walnut veneer, materials chosen for their ability to evolve over time, mirroring Tainan's own transformation through history. The original green exterior tiles and gray marble flooring were retained, while gold copper accents and high-brightness blue feature walls add contemporary flair and visual interest.

The restaurant occupies the first two floors of a four-story building, with the ground floor dedicated to dining and kitchen, and the second floor offering private dining rooms. The design prioritizes user experience by separating customer and staff routes, ensuring seamless service and an uninterrupted dining atmosphere. The project's completion in December 2023 and its official opening in January 2024 mark a new chapter for Tainan's culinary and cultural scene, as Izakaya 9am 5pm becomes a standout example of context-sensitive, material-driven interior design.

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