KUSHI

Restaurant fit-out for a Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne CBD. Concept Design, Planning Application and Construction Documentation by Simon Dinh Architects.

KUSHI reimagines a neglected heritage corner at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and Melbourne's laneway network as a vibrant late-night destination.

Inspired by the movement of a Japanese brushstroke, a continuous illuminated ribbon threads between the street and laneway, drawing patrons towards the entrance and guiding them through the venue. The contemporary intervention deliberately contrasts with the retained Victorian façade, creating a dialogue between Melbourne's historic fabric and contemporary hospitality culture.

At the heart of the venue is the ritual of gathering around fire. The ribbon culminates in a central robata theatre where skewers are prepared, cooked and shared, transforming the act of dining into a social experience. Retained brickwork and heritage elements provide a raw Melbourne backdrop, while warm lighting, expressive forms and layered materiality create an energetic atmosphere inspired by Tokyo's yakitori alleys and Melbourne's celebrated laneway culture.

The result is a venue that is both familiar and unexpected — a place where heritage, hospitality and urban activation intersect to create a memorable destination.