FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award-Winning Foodscape Cafe Redefines Community Spaces by Integrating Agriculture, Design, and Local Craft in Okinawa

Nago Agri Park's Foodscape Cafe, designed by Koichi Tomiyama and his team, has been recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award for 2025. Located in the lush Yanbaru region of Okinawa, the project transforms a former agricultural support facility into a vibrant community hub where visitors can directly engage with local food production, nature, and craftsmanship. The renovation, completed in June 2024, was inspired by the themes of "Farm & Craft" and "Green," utilizing materials such as wood, earth, jute, hemp rope, and locally sourced soil to create a warm, inviting environment.

The Foodscape Cafe stands out for its unique "foodscape" concept-a coined term combining food and landscape-where guests can eat, touch, grow, and enjoy the connection between food and nature. Edible plants are integrated throughout the space, and handcrafted decorations made from burlap and hemp rope evoke the spirit of agriculture. The design maximizes the existing greenhouse structure, with hemp-wrapped columns, burlap ceiling drapes that double as sunshades, and a counter wall finished with traditional plastering by local artisans. Outdoor and tile benches seamlessly blend architecture and furniture, encouraging relaxation and community interaction.

The project was born from the need to revitalize a declining public facility and bridge the gap between farmers, citizens, and tourists in a region rich in agricultural heritage and natural beauty. Despite a limited budget, the design team collaborated closely with local craftspeople and contractors, overcoming technical challenges to deliver a space that fosters community, supports local agriculture, and celebrates Okinawa's unique identity. The addition of original ambient music further enhances the sensory experience, making the Foodscape Cafe a model for sustainable, community-centered design.

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