Sweeping architectural focal points double as art installations at Cranes, a new Japanese eatery spread across 11,000 square feet in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. Features like glass cranes crafted by artists Kevin Chambers and Gina Words suspended above the bar have earned the nickname “The Cranedelier” and the esteem as a showstopper.

The Japanese-inspired aesthetic is conveyed through dark textures, polished metals, dramatic downlighting, and mini vignettes that double “as the backdrop for a variety of culinary experiences as patrons move through the space,” says David Tracz, cofounder and partner with local firm //3877.

Flaunting copper accents and shades of deep green, the moody bar contrasts dark and light finishes beneath dim lighting. Geometric slatting across the ceilings maintains uniformity in each area, with wallcoverings installed to soften more prominent architectural moments. “We infused the essence of the food into our design concept,” Tracz adds. “The lighting, wood, stone, and plaster finishes all provide texture, reinforcing the dining experience.”

Photos: Rey Lopez