WORK PERFORMED WHILE AT LIVstudio
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES FLORIO
Year Completed: 2015
Location: 2615 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205
Client: SushiRama (Jeff Osaka & Ken Wolf)
Budget: Under $300,000 USD.
Located in a renovated early twentieth century warehouse in the heart of Denver's bustling RiNo neighborhood, SushiRama is the brainchild of chef Jeff Osaka and financier Ken Wolf. The design team was asked to develop a concept that felt both modern and current, yet evoked the spirit of the 1950's and 60's. Inspired by the atomic aesthetic of mid century industrial design and architecture, SushiRama's design attempts to contrast bright vibrant colors against the rough industrial backdrop of the space. Colorful plywood bands dancing vertically and horizontally throughout the ceiling and walls attempt to create a sense of movement for the occupant and mimic the motion of the sushi conveyor belt that operates silently in the middle of the space. A large art wall installation of perforated sushi images carved into vibrant plywood panels combine modern fabrication and graphic art techniques while paying homage to the modern masterpieces of Lichtenstein and Warhol. Even the light fixtures and furnishings were intentionally selected to bring the occupant back to a time of mid-century modernity, while accenting a fresh new concept in dining.