Space Copenhagen’s Apothéose blends Japanese tradition and French sophistication, offering a unique dining experience in Tokyo’s Toranomon Hills Tower, where every detail reflects their commitment to poetic modernism, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Apothéose, a refined 40-seat restaurant and bar, opened in November 2023 in Tokyo’s prestigious Toranomon Hills Tower. Designed by Space Copenhagen and helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Keita Kitamura, this dining experience combines the Danish studio’s distinctive “Poetic Modernism” with elements of Japanese tradition and French sophistication. The result is a visually and sensorially captivating space that elevates both the art of dining and the ambiance in which it occurs. Space Copenhagen’s design philosophy, which balances industrial elements with organic warmth, is evident in every detail, from the materials chosen to the atmospheric lighting that shifts seamlessly from day to night.
Apothéose’s design is a tribute to the enduring power of crafted elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. The restaurant blends modern design with timeless materials, creating a space that is as much about the atmosphere as the food. With carefully curated furniture, bespoke lighting, and sustainability at the core of the studio’s ethos, Apothéose is not merely a place to dine but an immersive experience. The fusion of light, texture, and form creates a harmonious environment that reflects both the artistry of the chef and the vision of Space Copenhagen’s founders, Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen.
A Vision of Crafted Elegance: Loafer Chairs from &Tradition
Upon entering Apothéose, guests are greeted by a sculptural host station that sets the tone for the experience. The lounge area features oak tables paired with moss-green Loafer Chairs from &Tradition, upholstered with Kvadrat Sacho textiles. The earthy palette of terracotta tiles and semi-transparent fabric walls creates a warm, tactile atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the sleek exterior of the high-rise.
“The materials add a soft, textural feel to counter-position the glazed aluminum façade,” co-founder Signe Bindslev Henriksen explained in an interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine.
Diners then pass through a dimly lit corridor with darkened brass panels and wine cabinets, arriving at the restaurant proper. The open kitchen stands as the pièce de résistance, set against a breathtaking view of Tokyo’s skyline framed by sheer curtains. The dining space achieves an atmosphere that is both intimate and awe-inspiring. The transition from the corridor to the restaurant is marked by a bespoke set of scalloped brass doors.
“The engraved motif and sculptural brass handles symbolize an esoteric passage, leaving behind the building’s envelope to embrace the skyline,” Peter Bundgaard Rützou said in an interview with ArchiExpo e-Magazine.
These doors are not merely functional; they embody the studio’s philosophy of elevating everyday design elements into poetic expressions. This refined spatial narrative invites diners into a world where every detail, from lighting to furnishings, contributes to a cohesive sense of crafted elegance.
Curated Craftsmanship: Through the Clouds
Apothéose exemplifies Space Copenhagen’s emphasis on craftsmanship and materiality. Custom-designed white oak tables and Gleda chairs, created with British furniture maker Benchmark, dominate the dining space. Complementing these are curated artistic touches, including Hideaki Yamanobe’s Through the Clouds, which enhances the lounge’s intimate charm.
The host station at the entryway showcases innovative craftsmanship. It combines metal finishes on wood, a technique new for the studio but executed flawlessly by skilled Japanese artisans.
“Their sense of detail and quality often surpasses our expectations,” Henriksen stated.
Nearby, a stone waiter’s station doubles as a focal point, housing curated ceramics and seasonal objects connecting guests to the open kitchen’s culinary artistry. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the design. Space Copenhagen incorporates natural, organic materials that age gracefully over time, creating a timeless environment.
“We practice Slow Aesthetics, focusing on quality and longevity,” Henriksen continued. “Organic materials grow more beautiful as their patina develops, telling a unique story.”
The choice of wood, darkened brass panels, and light plaster walls exemplifies this ethos, ensuring that durability does not compromise beauty.
Space Copenhagen’s meticulous attention to detail extends to the tactile quality of every surface and object within Apothéose. By integrating high-quality, sustainable materials, the studio crafts a restaurant that is as enduring as it is elegant, reflecting their belief in creating spaces with a lasting impact.
Lighting as Atmosphere: Como Lamps by &Tradition
Lighting plays a transformative role in the ambiance of Apothéose, weaving a narrative of intimacy and sophistication. Portable Como Lamps by &Tradition provide warm, focused illumination on the tables, creating an inviting and dreamy environment. These lamps enhance the tactile warmth of the oak tables and elevate the dining experience by subtly emphasizing craftsmanship.
Complementing the portable lamps are Michael Anastassiades’ sculptural fixtures, which anchor the architectural elements and create a sense of flow throughout the space.
“These light fixtures celebrate architecture by highlighting and enhancing its presence,” Rützou said. “They are playful and modern, representing both craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty.”
The layered approach to lighting allows Apothéose to adapt its atmosphere to the time of day. During lunch hours, the illumination is brighter and more energetic, harmonizing with natural light streaming through the curtains. As night falls, the lighting shifts, embracing a softer, more intimate glow. This evolution of light reinforces the restaurant’s harmonious balance, which Space Copenhagen is renowned for.
“We divide lighting into categories,” Henriksen explained. “Ambient fixtures enhance the mood, while others add sculptural value. By combining different typologies, we create a space that is not only functional but emotionally resonant.”
This layered lighting approach extends beyond functionality, contributing significantly to the spatial narrative. Each fixture, from the Como Lamps to Anastassiades’ designs, balances form and function while emphasizing the studio’s philosophy of poetic modernism. By prioritizing lighting as a core element, Space Copenhagen ensures that Apothéose offers a captivating experience from day to night.
