Montreal-based architecture firm Future Simple Studio has created a striking design for Sushibox, a sushi restaurant located on the outskirts of Quebec City. The project showcases a minimalist interior that harmoniously integrates white oak and textured concrete, reflecting a modern aesthetic that complements chef Patrick Landry’s culinary artistry.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: Sushibox’s design features a minimalist interior that integrates white oak and textured concrete, creating a modern and inviting atmosphere.
- Brutalist and Serene Atmosphere: The restaurant embodies a “simultaneously brutalist and serene atmosphere” achieved through strong lines, natural textures and a neutral color palette.
- Functional Reception Area: The reception area enhances the overall customer experience by serving as both a welcome area for diners and a pick-up location for takeout orders.
- Artistic Touches: Artist Zian Miscioscia’s striking black-topped concrete countertop with a textured front adds a unique artistic element to the takeaway area.
- Cultural Design Elements: Inspired by traditional East Asian moon doors, a circular portal creates a visually appealing transition from the takeaway area to the dining area.
- Open Kitchen Concept: Open kitchen design enhances the overall dining experience by creating a connection between diners and chefs, allowing guests to be involved in the kitchen process.
- Thoughtful Lighting: David Pompa’s elegant pendant lights illuminate the bar area, adding both functionality and artistry to the space.
- Efficient Storage Solutions: A system of white oak shelves suspended above stainless steel countertops maximizes kitchen storage while providing an aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Community-Oriented Seating: The dining area features a white oak countertop that wraps around multiple tables, encouraging communal dining and enhancing the social experience.
- Architectural Practice: Founded in 2018, Future Simple Studio is known in both Montreal and New York for its innovative designs and commitment to blending functionality with artistic expression.
- Global Design Context: Sushibox aligns with the global trend of minimalist sushi restaurants that reflect traditional Japanese design influences while offering a modern dining experience.
- Sensory Experience: The overall design brings together food and architecture, creating an extraordinary sensory experience highlighting the colors and textures of the kitchen.
Design Concept
Future Simple Studio’s design philosophy for Sushibox embraces strong lines, natural textures and a neutral color palette to create “an atmosphere that is simultaneously brutalist and serene” throughout the 3,500 square foot (325 square meter) space. The studio aims to create an environment where the kitchen’s vibrant colors and intricate textures take center stage, enriching the overall dining experience. Emphasizing the synergy between design and food, the studio said, “Geometric shapes, basic materials and handcrafted details and transmissive design allow the colors and textures of the kitchen to shine through.”
Reception Area and Takeaway Counter
Guests enter Sushibox through a black-framed entrance surrounded by tightly fluted glass that opens into a large reception area. This space serves a dual purpose: it welcomes customers and functions as the designated pick-up location for takeaway orders. The takeaway experience is enhanced by a striking black-topped concrete counter with a painterly textured façade by renowned artist Zian Miscioscia. This artistic touch adds a unique character to the space, setting the tone for the dining experience.
Take-Out Area Features
In the takeaway area, the design maintains a neutral color scheme complemented by bright lighting. Vertical blinds allow sunlight to filter in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere as guests place their orders. This conscious design choice enhances the overall experience, making even the takeaway process feel special and attentive.
Dining Area
A circular portal, reminiscent of the moon gates found in traditional East Asian architecture, elegantly guides guests up a short staircase from the takeaway area to the dining area. This design element not only provides a visual transition, but also adds a cultural touch that resonates with the restaurant’s culinary roots.
Open Kitchen and Bar
Another concrete countertop on the lower level creates a bar overlooking the open kitchen, allowing diners to participate in the culinary process. This open concept creates a connection between guests and chefs, enriching the dining experience. The delicate pendant lamps designed by David Pompa, featuring a double sphere of lava stone and bulbs, form a neat row above the bar counter, providing both illumination and an artistic focal point.
Storage and Seating Area
To meet the kitchen’s storage needs, a shelving system made of white oak batons is suspended from the ceiling above stainless steel prep counters. This thoughtful design maximizes space efficiency while providing an aesthetically pleasing environment. The dining area features a white oak bench that wraps around multiple tables, creating a shared seating arrangement. These tables are separated by vertical sheets of translucent fabric that give a sense of privacy while keeping the space open and airy.
About Future Simple Studio
Future Simple Studio was founded in 2018 by Christine Djerrahian and her partner Ernst van ter Beek. With offices in Montreal and New York, the firm is characterized by innovative designs that blend functionality with artistic expression. Their portfolio includes a number of projects that showcase their versatility and commitment to thoughtful design, such as a family apartment in a 100-year-old historic building near Montreal’s Old Port district.
Global Context
Sushibox’s design is part of a broader trend among sushi restaurants worldwide, many of which have adopted minimalist interiors influenced by traditional Japanese design principles. Notable examples include a dramatic space in Dubai Mall, the Oku restaurant in Mexico City with “floating tables” made of wood and steel, and Sticks n Sushi in London, which seamlessly blends Japanese and Danish design aesthetics.
Future Simple Studio’s design for Sushibox not only captures the essence of the sushi dish, but also contributes to the ongoing conversation in the restaurant industry about the importance of thoughtful, contextualized design. By creating a space that combines culinary excellence with architectural integrity, Sushibox stands as a testament to the potential of design to enhance our dining experiences and create memorable moments for every guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sushibox?
Sushibox is a modern sushi restaurant located on the outskirts of Quebec City, Canada. Designed by Montreal-based architecture firm Future Simple Studio, the restaurant features a minimalist interior combining white oak and textured concrete.
Who designed Sushibox?
Sushibox was designed by Future Simple Studio, an architecture firm founded in 2018 by Christine Djerrahian and Ernst van ter Beek, with offices in Montreal and New York.
What is the design concept of Sushibox?
Sushibox’s design combines strong lines, natural textures and neutral tones to create a “brutalist and serene atmosphere at the same time”. This concept allows the colors and textures of the kitchen to stand out, creating a harmonious dining experience.
What features does the reception area have?
Guests enter Sushibox through an entrance framed by black, tightly fluted glass that opens into a spacious reception area. This space serves both as a welcome area for diners and as a pick-up location for takeaway orders.
How was the takeaway designed?
The takeaway area features a striking black-topped concrete countertop with a textured front, crafted by artist Zian Miscioscia. The design features neutral tones, bright lighting and vertical louvers that allow sunlight to filter in, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
How is the layout of the dining area?
The dining area is accessed through a circular portal inspired by traditional East Asian moon doors. There is a downstairs bar overlooking the open kitchen and elegant pendant lamps provide the lighting.
What seating options are available?
The dining area features a white oak bench that wraps around multiple tables and encourages communal dining. The tables are separated by vertical sheets of translucent fabric, providing privacy while maintaining a sense of openness.
How does Future Simple Studio approach design?
Future Simple Studio focuses on blending functionality with artistic expression, creating spaces that enhance the user experience while reflecting contemporary design trends.
What is the significance of Sushibox in a global context?
Sushibox aligns with the worldwide trend of minimalist sushi restaurants by offering a modern dining experience that emphasizes the relationship between food and environment while reflecting traditional Japanese design principles.
What kind of dining experience does Sushibox aim to deliver?
Sushibox aims to create an extraordinary sensory experience where design and cuisine come together, allowing guests to appreciate not only the food but also the carefully crafted environment.
What are your thoughts on Sushibox?
What do you think about the design and atmosphere created at Sushibox? Do you believe that architectural elements enhance the dining experience? Share your thoughts with us! If you haven’t already, feel free to check out our review of other innovative dining spaces.
Architect: Future Simple Studio
Architectural Style: Minimalist with Brutalist Elements
Year: 2023
Location: Quebec City, Canada
