design & décor
W
ith a diverse cultural mix and a thriving city economy, Toronto now has a new
Asian fusion restaurant, with four thematic destinations linked by design from The Design Agency. Located in the Financial District yet conveniently accessible from Chinatown in Toronto’s city centre, Momofuku Toronto is a 6,600 sq. ft., restaurant over three levels that combines Asian influence with New York energy and local Toronto flavors. Designed by the Toronto-based studio, the restaurant interior is housed within the new glass ‘ice cube’ by architect James K.M. Cheng. Enclosed in a three-storey glass cube, the restaurant aims to offer the ‘great Momofuku experience’, represented through four concepts starting on the ground floor with its Noodle Bar. The restaurant’s entrance is marked by Chinese artist Zhang Huan’s 33-foot tall and 65-foot long, twisting, energetic stainless steel sculpture - ‘Rising’ - which bridges the ground and the sky with stainless steel birds taking flight, but also resembles a twisted root and a dragon. features and the vibe of Momofuku’s
The Noodle Bar continues the spirit of Zhang’s sculpture with plenty of movement and organized chaos. The double height space is wrapped in organically textured white oak walls intersected by blackened steel bridges and stairs. The open kitchen, the communal ‘Momo-styled’ white oak bench seating and a colorful painting of Neil Young at Madison
Enclosed in a threestorey glass cube, the restaurant aims to offer the ‘great Momofuku experience’, represented through four concepts
original New York Noodle Bar. Allen Chan, a senior partner at The Design Agency, talks through the project’s palette and material choice: “We felt strongly that the materials used should reflect the richness of the food, and the ‘rawness’ of Momofuku’s style. We developed a palette of elemental materials, keeping them honest to the brand and the space.”
Square Gardens by album cover artist
The textured oak wrap continues
Steve Keene - picking up on familiar
on the second level, where Nikai, a bar and lounge, treats patrons to a more intimate experience. Entry through sliding doors that resemble shoji screens inspires a more secluded atmosphere. Completely sheathed in warm white oak, this room feels welcoming and protective. Loosely Asian influenced architecture is mixed with classic Arthur Umanoff stools, custom-designed tufted leather sofas and local retro furniture. Rising to the third floor, one senses a shift from the grounded nature of the lower floors to the airy glass ice cube, opening the restaurant to Toronto’s grand University Avenue. Sheltered by an oak finned cube that is floating within the ice cube, Daisho Image © Bob Gundu
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
offers communal seating, suiting the