French interior designer Rudy Guénaire has crafted the interiors for Pari Pari, a new Japanese restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood district, blending traditional Japanese architectural philosophy with the vibrancy of the city.
Design Inspiration
The interiors are influenced by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s essay, In Praise of Shadows, focusing on subtle light, shadow, and materiality rather than bold colors. Guénaire explains:
“In Japan, architecture has long been less about color or material than about light, and light in Japan has always been a matter of shadow. On the other side, Miami is nothing but sun… I wanted to design ‘A Praise of Light’ — the counterpoint to Tanizaki’s meditation on shadow.”
At the heart of the restaurant is the handroll counter, conceived as a glowing Japanese andon lamp. Constructed from American maple, it casts a soft, natural glow that shifts from morning sunlight to sunset tones.
Above the counter, a suspended drape references the traditional noren, visually framing the counter where the chef prepares dishes.
Blending Tradition and Local Style
Guénaire also incorporated local Miami cues:
- The small Pari Pari sign echoes the volumetric logos of 1930s Miami hotels.
- High stools in oceanic hues are crafted using Japanese joinery (shiguchi), assembled without glue, reflecting precision and minimalism.
The result is a serene, contemplative environment that brings the tranquility of Japanese architecture into Miami’s lively culinary scene.