FIGO 36

We converted a fine dining restaurant into a biophilic Italian neighborhood concept. The word “Figo'' in Italian means “cool” and that’s the vibe we wanted to encompass. We used historic Italian design elements and paid homage to the location and its vicinity to the railroad and light rail.  The neighborhood is hip, artsy, progressive and very communal. The restaurant is a reflection and integration of just that.    

The restaurant is situated between a historic, yet active railway track and a newly built light rail. The idea was to integrate freight train graffiti but put an Italian twist on it.  Instead of tags that are generally used, we used urban Italian phrases. We put graffiti in unexpected places, like the backs of booths and under the bar.  
 Patrons sitting at the bar face windows that show the tracks and trains passing by. Because of this, we made the bar appear to be at the bottom of the freight trains. Brass metal bars resemble train tracks and overhead is elevated with greenery and round pendant lighting.  

We added many biophilic elements throughout to give the restaurant a backyard garden feel. Floral-patterned velvet lines the banquettes, and a fresh herb garden is housed in planters lining the windows. The Figo logo is covered in moss art by The Savage Way, while a focal wall with air plants and varieties of artificial plant elements are found throughout the space.

Outside, we created an elevated platform in the shape of an “F” for FIGO with astroturf, enclosed the patio with bushes and added oversized planters with lush greenery to create more intimacy.

 To add a hint of historic charm, we added character to the walls with wood details and used paint and and existing cloud to visually lower the height creating a more cozy feeling. Greenery and floral light fixtures also made this element a garden-like moment in the middle of the space.