Time Magazine recently proclaimed SuperDeluxe, a gallery and lounge space near Roppongi, as one of the best 100 spots in Asia. When it comes to Tokyo venues, I'd put it in my top three. But SuperDeluxe is no overnight sensation. It is a rare flower that has been skillfully nurtured since its seeds were first sown five years ago at the original Deluxe in the Azabu area.

"We found this fabulous space for our offices. But it was so big -- and expensive -- that we needed partners to pull it off. So we invited the Namaiki design team -- Michael Frank and David Duval-Smith -- to share the space with us," says Mark Dytham, who, together with Astrid Klein, make up Klein Dytham Architecture.

The four founders still use the original space as their offices. But, back then, they also started hosting events -- some impromptu, some planned. Members of the extended family included Rob Jordan (aka DJ Quietstorm) and Mike Kubeck, who was recruited within the first year to help the partners realize their dream of brewing their own micro-beer -- Tokyo Ale.

By day an architecture and design office, by night an event space . . . well, not exactly. The neighbors started complaining about the noise. The Deluxe space, which features a narrow row of offices down one side of a huge open two-story high room with bare corrugated iron walls, had no insulation or soundproofing (it was formerly a car-repair garage). But worse, they found it hard to explain away the smell of stale beer when blue-chip clients dropped by for meetings.

Everyone was suddenly -- and earnestly -- on the lookout for a replacement space. With the help of Atsushi Imuta, an old friend, they were able to finance their new project. And so, two years ago, SuperDeluxe was born in what was then a dilapidated basement located between Roppongi and Nishi Azabu crossings. Now that the Roppongi Hills complex has opened less than 30 seconds away, it is at the heart of the known universe. And their corner of the galaxy is chic yet funky; simple yet multifunctional.

They stripped the walls and ceiling and poured a concrete floor. And with clever original modular lounge components -- including tatami sofas and big button-shaped cushions -- and some standard cafe-style tables and chairs, they furnished the space. Every time I visit the layout is different -- mostly because, as each event is unique, these modular elements can be easily modified to match the expected atmosphere and audience. And, with twin turntables and CD decks and two large wall projectors, there is ample ear and eye candy to entertain, even on nonevent nights.

The founders have been careful not to create just another Roppongi bar. In fact, they took pains to avoid publicity until they secured their own following from the ranks of Tokyo's "thinkers and drinkers" -- to quote their current tag for the space.

Whereas many places aspire to be "creative spaces" where artists can meet and mingle, SuperDeluxe has truly achieved that goal. The founders have realized that partly through a regular event called "PechaKuchaNight," which means chatting, as in catching up with a friend.

The PechaKucha event is an open invitation to artists of all media to present their works or ideas -- in progress or completed. The original concept was simple: Twenty artists presenting 20 slides from 8:20 p.m. (get it? 20:20). The number of presenters has since been reduced because there was just too much information to digest in one night. But even without the symmetry of 20 × 20, the event provides a valuable forum and a rare opportunity for sometimes unknown artists to showcase their work. And it has brought together a multidisciplined and multicultural grassroots art community in Tokyo. (And beyond: According to Dytham, PechaKucha spinoffs have appeared in Los Angeles and Switzerland.)

"When Mark and I were studying architecture at the Royal College of Art in London, we drew a lot of inspiration from the other design disciplines at the school -- whether it was ceramics or fashion," explains Klein.

As is often the case with creative types, music and performance are also key. "Forget art, let's dance" was the motto at my art school. And what goes better with dancing than drinking? An eclectic and ever-changing roster of DJ sessions, poetry readings and live performances is featured at SuperDeluxe.

And it's not just underground artists and media types who wander in, though they are well represented. You might also find bona fide celebrities hanging out here, like singer UA (who drops in from time to time) and actor Jude Law (who popped by when he was in town last month). Or big-name DJs like Towa Tei.

In addition to curating the exhibits at SuperDeluxe, Kubeck is also actively involved in promoting Tokyo Ale. Each year, he sets up shop at both the Fuji Rock Festival and Asagiri Jam. That is how, three years ago, he first met Kent Furuta, who is now their field manager at outdoor festivals and also the hands-on manager of the bar at SuperDeluxe.

The original concept for SuperDeluxe (courtesy of Duval-Smith) read as follows:

SuperDeluxe is . . . A place of fun and experimentation. A gallery, a bar, a kitchen, a jazz club and a film studio. A cinema. a library, a school, a concert hall and a theater. A network of creative minds. A place to be inspired. And a place to inspire others.

A place to be inspired and a place to inspire others? A tall order. But, then, I dropped in one night and found the Namaiki duo and several young Japanese artists sitting at a large low table. With a huge stack of art paper and pots of Day-Glo paint at hand, they were reworking some drawings from a previous session. And someone was spinning an esoteric collection of tunes -- minimal punk mixed up with anime soundtracks and such.

I was drawn like a bee to a flower. But instead of loading up with honey, my head was filling with creative juices. I was swimming in ideas . . .