Bymark
Toronto
Yabu Pushelberg

Clever design helps this restaurant fit its surroundings

© Evan Dion

For more photos click on 'photos & drawings' above. To see the people and products behind this project click on 'people & products.'

Located within a Mies van der Rohe building, the project space posed a challenge similar to that of the restaurant in the Lever House. Bymark had to honor the existing architecture, yet not upstage it. However, there was an additional concern: the restaurant space is part of a food court structure. An area had to be carved out to distinguish the restaurant from the fast food genre and to conceal these spaces from the concourse.

Therefore, the lobby takes one immediately away from the concourse. The entrance engages its visitors with original art from two up-and-coming Canadian artists: Scott Eunson and David Lin. The architects staged a mini-competition between the two artists to come up with a piece of original art to compliment the restaurant’s design and the original Miesian framework. Scott Eunson won the commission for the major piece while David Lin has a few works throughout the restaurant and bar.

The restaurant contains a main dining area and two private dining areas, but the focal point of the space is the bar/lounge contained within an atrium structure. The bar/lounge also unfolds within a series of spaces including the bar proper, front house seating with low-backed leather seating, and a private vista with original 1950s Platner furniture. Opposing bars that are over-designed rather than functional, the architects focused on the bar as a piece of furniture—literally a counter that offers drinks. Made of wood, the bar invokes Mies’ use of wood in his interiors. Other materials give the space warmth, reflecting the Canadian vernacular.

Location:
Toronto

Gross square footage:
7,500 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$1.7 million

Owner:
Mark McEwan

Architect:
Yabu Pushelberg
55 Booth Avenue
Toronto Ontario M4M 2M3
Tel: 416.778.9779
Fax: 416.778.9747

4F–138 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
Tel: 212.226.0808
Fax: 212.226.0666