Restaurant Design: Vandal

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo IMAGES Warren Jagger VIDEO via TAO Group on Vimeo

The latest work from David Rockwell, the celebrated American architect, designer, president and founder of the award-winning design and architecture practice, the Rockwell Group, sees David and his studio look to urban street life for inspiration.

Vandal, a 12 000 square foot restaurant, bar and lounge located on 199 Bowery Street in New York City, is the latest culinary venture from renowned celebrity chef Chris Santos and the TAO group. From New York and Vietnam to Barcelona and more, David and his studio mined multiple cities across the world for street culture inspiration, with a strong focus on art, architecture and food.

Discovery is also a theme that runs throughout the venue, hence it’s been created as a maze-like space, where visitors can discover little private rooms and nooks. British street artist, Hush, worked with the TAO group to create the artworks. Seven other renowned street artists were also commissioned to create site-specific installations inside and outside the two-level space. These include a bar lounge with a lyrical mural by British artist Will Barras, an entrance tunnel tagged by San Francisco-based artist Apex, a secret garden dining area with murals by artist Eelus, a private dining room featuring more work by the above-mentioned artists and by another artist, Tristan Eaton, as well as a playful cellar bar/lounge in rich, textured materials.

Visiting New York? Head on over to vandalnewyork.com to make a reservation.