Renowned chef, Joachim Splichal, of the Patina Restaurant Group, acquired the venerable Maple Drive restaurant location in Beverly Hills in 2006, and commissioned Clive Wilkinson Architects to design their new fresh seafood restaurant. We proposed the name ‘Paperfish’ to underscore the restaurant’s function and to align with the concept of treating the plain white architecture as thin leaves of curving drywall to evoke fluidity, water flowing and pooling, and to give the sense of being immersed below the sea. The word ‘paper’ also evoked fish cooked ‘en papilotte’, and this has become the restaurant’s signature dish. The identity was developed simultaneously with the architectural design. We researched plates and uniforms, glassware and upholstery, door handles and light fixtures, logos and fonts all at the same time. The shades of red to orange relate to color changes on the body of a carp fish. The Paper Bar is an irregular swirling form that harbors nests of barstools and lounge seating, with a quiet rear alcove for enjoying cocktails and occasional dining. Overhead, the ceiling begins a play of fluid shapes that evoke fish movement, water and torn paper, all made from the simple palette of white painted gypsum board.
Discuss This Project: ( Comments)