© Stereoscope Ceiling
PROJECT DETAILS:
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Situated on the ground level of a large two building complex sharing a common courtyard is Stereoscope, a branded coffee shop in Newport Beach. Wick Architecture & Design, in partnership with LAND Design Studio, created a unique ambiance of stereoscope that is turning heads with its cathedral-like opulence.
The main task for the design was to imbue excitement into a narrow, L shaped area with a 15 feet high ceiling. The two entrances at both the ends of the L shaped are connected to this space, including one adjoining the building’s lobby and another connecting to the exterior courtyard. A unique challenge of working with the layout together with Stereoscope Coffee’s taste for modern, minimalism formed a unique challenge for Wick and Lindley.
David Wick and Andrew Lindley harkened back to a recent trip to Italy, where they had the opportunity to view Correggio’s Assumption of the Virgin, a 16th-century fresco adorning the dome of the Cathedral of Parma. The duo envisioned the opportunity of a modern interpretation and variation of that historic Renaissance approach, with a multi-dimensional aspect to it that would grab the essence of the word ‘Stereoscope’, a forerunner to modern 3D technology. With a concept in mind, the design team turned its attention to the challenge of drawing the vision to life as a body of work that would fascinate the masses.
The processes:
Equipped with a clear vision and a work of art, Wick and Lindley studied the direction to accomplishing their goal from hundreds of distinct perspectives. Would it be in color or black and white, and would the image gradate or flow down the wall?
The process of transferring the art to the ceiling was the next step. Working in close association with a Nashville-based blueprinter, Big Visual Group, the design team generated a key for cutting the art into pieces, before printing the pieces onto 5-foot vinyl rolls with one-inch overlaps to work with. They likewise did several alterations to the mutual work’s level of 3D projection, assuring that patrons who preferred not to wear 3D glasses would nevertheless have a delightful and eclectic work of art to witness. Once completed, the vinyl rolls were applied to the ceiling like wallpaper during a notable installation process that took less than a day to finish.
The lighting bends around the corners of the L to highlight the space, where the elaborate artwork fades to white, 8 feet above the floor, while again serving to depict the modern, minimalist décor below.
Under the light:
Contrasting to the boldness of the cathedral like ceiling, the interior materials were chosen with a warm modern palette, this ground the interior space with its natural concrete floors. The L shaped space is wrapped with White oak bench seating, highlighted by a 6 inch ledge for proper storing of personal items.
Movement and texture is infused into the cut stone coffee bar’s minimalist composition with blue orca marble which is visible from both the entrances. A very warm and blended texture is provided in the back of the service counter with bone-white matte tiles.
Finally, to complete the avant-garde experience of the space, shelving for 20 pairs of 3D glasses are provided above the bench seating to access the full visual grandeur of the artwork above.
GALLERY:
