█ soupa
jacksonville, fl : [2019]
Expanding on the themes and ideas of their first store, the client wanted a space that was casual, visually charged and foremost fun.
Soupa seeks to capture the spirit and energy of graphic novels. Walls feature animated characters and comic strips that have been collaged together—forming a dense and colorful abstract textile that envelops the space. In contrast to the saturated walls, ceilings and service counters are rendered in pure white. Linear pendant lights appear to emerge from a smooth ceiling plane forming a criss-crossing network that blurs the line between graphic art and form— having both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional qualities. Soffits and walls are sloped and tapered towards the rear of the space giving the illusion of an accelerated perspective thereby adding to the energy and dynamic atmosphere of the space. A scrim of expanded metal positioned over the open kitchen gives a pixelated appearance to the imagery behind it— referencing half tone printing techniques used in early graphic novels. The haphazard arrangement of animated imagery and graphic ephemera give a sense of chaos kept in check by the discipline of a black-and-white palette of furnishings and fixtures. Furnishings and accessories echo the sharp geometry of the lighting and interior architecture. Occupying the rear wall is a neon sign, which is an homage to the owner’s favorite childhood anime series.
photo credit | Chad Baumer Photography