Poetica shortlisted for 2024 global Restaurant & Bar Design Awards
Now in its 16th year, the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards celebrate the world’s most imaginative food and beverage spaces, along with the visionary designers who bring them to life.
Among 18 categories, the lighting category spotlights the artful use of decorative and architectural lighting. COX’s design for Poetica in North Sydney has earned a spot on this year’s shortlist.
A petite but buzzing bar and restaurant tucked away inside a North Sydney office tower, COX created a timeless clubhouse for our Client, Etymon Projects. The design concept is raw and natural brimming with whimsical moments, theatre, and timeless simplicity. A design that captures the exciting new scene in North Sydney.
Boasting muted soft tones, natural materials, lyrical local artworks by Kristian Hawker and nods to the creative legacy of past locals William Blue and Brett Whitely, the contemporary design champions the real hero: its local context.
Poetica takes inspiration from the nearby Sydney foreshore with its Seafoam toned counters, brushed oak floors, tan and burnt honey upholstery and brick wood grill with further coastal influences appearing throughout the restaurant and adjoining bar.
The main dining space is anchored by an open kitchen, flanked by an abundant display of meat, fish and wine. The theatre of cooking over an open flame provides an activated backdrop for the diners.
Creating a ceiling veil above the main dining space, diaphanous floating pendants provide lighting as a design element. Conveying the local context like light filtering through salt water, these pendants apply a touch of artistic whimsy to the otherwise raw and natural design. Transforming the space from a fresh brasserie by day to a moodier affair by night, these are a delicate element as a juxtaposition to the characterful concrete structure, referencing the past (Brett Whitely and William Blue) and present (burgeoning North Sydney CBD).
Complementing the design, the dining menu features rustic aged meats, locally caught seafood and the finest freshest produce – reflecting the philosophy that simplicity is best.
The winners of the Restaurant & Bar Awards will be announced in Barcelona, Spain, on 31 October.
View the full shortlist here.