David Rockwell and street artist Hush bring urban art indoors for New York restaurant VANDAL
by Kim Megson | 19 May 2016
David Rockwell has collaborated with seven famous street artists to create VANDAL; a new street food restaurant in New York.
Located on Bowery Street in Manhattan, the bi-level, 350-seat restaurant is a labyrinthine web of private rooms, secret catacombs, hidden gardens and surprising art installations.
Rockell’s design team planned VANDAL’s interiors and British street artist Hush curated the wallscape. He created seven huge murals for the space and commissioned six other artists to provide artwork for each room, reflecting “the gritty and lush moments” found in outdoor urban locales.
“The experience of VANDAL unfolds through a series of unique dining rooms each supporting site specific art installations,” said Rockwell. “It's almost like the street turned inside out."
Hush added: “I wanted to represent street aesthetics and show how artists take over spaces. Each artist has a signature style, which also establishes the different techniques defining street art. Together, we created a cohesive space to complement the eclectic street food-inspired menu.”
Guests enter the restaurant through a minimalist flower shop and botanical gallery designed by floral studio Ovando. They then pass through a vaulted brick tunnel where they are greeted by an 11ft tall breakdancing pink bunny rabbit sculpture created by Rockwell.
The interiors combine plush design features and urban touches, with leather sofas, delicate glass globe lights and a blue granite and lacquered wooden bar set against concrete and exposed brick walls.
The restaurant has been developed by Marc Packer and Rich Wolf – founders of hospitality-focused TAO Group – along with chef Chris Santos.
"The idea of bringing street food and street art together under one roof struck me like a bolt of lightning," said Wolf. "The experience of VANDAL will not be just of great food, drinks, and warm hospitality, but also of a love affair with world-class artists."
The seven “vandals” of the restaurant’s name are Hush, Apexer, Tristan Eaton, Eelus, Vhils, Will Barra and Shepard Fairey – designer of the iconic Barack Obama Hope campaign poster.
Graffiti and gastronomy are increasingly popular bedfellows. Recently the W Montreal Hotel in Canada opened seafood restaurant Être Avec Toi, with windows, tables, chairs and booths all turned into works of art by local street artists.
David Rockwell Hush New York street art restaurant design VANDAL
The restaurant is a labryinthe of secret rooms and gardens Credit: Vandal
A 11ft pink breakdancing bunny designed by David Rockwell welcomes guests Credit: Vandal
Plush design features are included alongside grittier elements, such as exposed brick walls Credit: Vandal
Entrance to the restaurant is through a botanical gallery and flower shop Credit: Vandal
Each room has a different theme and unique art work Credit: Vandal
David Rockwell said VANDAL 'is almost like the street turned inside out'
Credit: Vandal
The restaurant has 350 seats over two levels Credit: Vandal
16 Dec 2015
Artists and designers turn security gates into street art for colourful New York project
04 Dec 2015
Graffiti and gastronomy combine for restaurant and art gallery hybrid in Montreal
David Rockwell has collaborated with seven famous street artists to create VANDAL; a new street food restaurant in New York. Located on Bowery Street in Manhattan, the bi-level, 350-seat restaurant is a labyrinthine web of private rooms, secret catacombs, hidden gardens and surprising art installations. Rockell’s design team planned VANDAL’s interiors and British street artist Hush curated the wallscape. He created seven huge murals for the space and commissioned six
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