Located in front of a park in Okinawa City, Kukurubana is an employment support facility where people with mental or intellectual disabilities can work while engaging with the local community and nature. Originally operating in a corner of a rented office building, the facility was redesigned with an attached café to strengthen its connection to the neighborhood. In the design, various types of spaces were created to ensure that users can spend time comfortably and at ease. There are open areas, small place to be alone, and seats with views of the outdoors—allowing people to choose freely according to their mood or situation. The building is arranged in a circular plan surrounding a courtyard, enabling natural movement and flow between people and their work activities.
Looking ahead, the facility aims for the economic independence of its users through the development of new products such as craft chocolate and Okinawan-style mooncakes. The café attracts local junior high school students and regular customers , who enjoy conversation and study there. This place is becoming more than just a workshop—it is evolving into a living place, where people naturally meet, connect, and grow together.