Bang Bang
Work included
Branding
Environmental graphics
Menu design
Printed collateral
Website design
Project Overview
Bang Bang is part izakaya part street eatery bringing the gritty old-school alleyways of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district to Darling Square’s Steam Mill Lane. Walk through the bullet-sprayed roller doors and into a neon lit open kitchen and bar, grab a stool behind the curtains of the yatai stall, pick up a Japanese soda from the vending machine wall, escape the hustle and bustle in the hidden tatami room, or sing your heart out in the glass karaoke box.
Harley Johnston Design worked with interior design firm Interior Life to create this Tokyo themed bar and restaurant. When discussing the theme for this new destination venue the contrast between old and new was a recurring idea as it relates to Tokyo. The Japanese revolutionary Ryōma Sakamoto summed up this ideal perfectly, he dreamed of a modern Japan. An adapted version of Sakamoto became the mascot of the bar, featuring in the logo and also a mural created by artist James Jirat Patradoon under direction from Harley Johnston Design.
The interior features an overwhelming amount of sensory input in an aim to simulate the experience of being in Tokyo. Floor markings were designed based on real Tokyo street references, echoing the tight spaces and hustle and bustle of Tokyo at night. A set of blank vending machines were purchased and we carefully recreated all the artwork from Japanese references for an authentic appearance. Environmental graphics celebrate the ‘Matsuri’ festival where people flood the city streets in Japan to dressed in their traditional outfits which still occur in Japan.
Interior Design: Interior Life
Murals: James Jirat Patradoon and Enku Shoji
Photography and Video Instillation: Robin Hearfield
Intern: Rucha Patel
Awards
Silver – Best Awards 2019 – Environmental Graphics
Finalist – Best Awards 2019 – Small Brand Identity
Finalist – AGDA Awards 2019 – Environmental Graphics
Finalist – AGDA Awards 2019 – Brand Identity
