Table of contents for Issue 56 in Artichoke

“We’re always looking for the thing that’s missing … being able to see what everyone else is doing and then asking, ‘How do we take a step in another direction?’” says James Brown, one half of the Adelaide-based graphic design studio Mash, when asked about the studio’s design process (you can read more in Mash’s profile on page 89). This quote sets the scene for this issue – we feature projects with bravado, projects that do something new or risky, or even both, which is so crucial to innovation and experimentation in design. There’s no better example of this than Hues Hair in Melbourne (cover and page 58), where architect Adriana Hanna has triumphed over a shoestring budget to deliver an Ettore Sottsass-inspired hair salon. In the hairdressing world, coloured…

(1) Mister and Miss cafe by Maria Danos Architecture Mister and Miss cafe, designed by Maria Danos Architecture, is set within a former mechanics workshop in Melbourne’s Mont Albert. Clues to the building’s former use can be seen in the materiality of the architecture, such as the masonry floors, stripped brick walls and perforated steel lighting pelmets, as well as the detailing and furniture, such as the fluted concrete bar and racing-green accents that run through the cafe. A central sculptural bar divides the space into two zones – one with small and intimate terrazzo tables and the other with seating for larger groups. Maria Danos Architecture mariadanos.com.au (2) Bucket table lamp and wall light The Bucket table lamp and wall light are the first designs to be released by…

While it is not always possible to trace the evolution of a design concept with precision, the associations and creative sparks that led to The Penny Drop cafe’s look and feel are as vivid and charming as its ultimate design. The cafe’s location at the base of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) building in Box Hill, Melbourne inspired an image of coins slipping from the ATO coffers, through the cracks and floors of the modern high-rise, to land in what would become the new cafe-barrestaurant. Coins lead to the idea of pennies and soon conjured the clean lines and optimism of the art deco style. We Are Huntly designed the interiors based on this concept and collaborated on the brand identity with graphic design studio Pop & Pac. Defining a…

 The client for Hues Hair came to architect Adriana Hanna with a pragmatic brief and few preconceived ideas of what the space could be. Despite a tight budget and timeframe, the client’s trust allowed Hanna to charge forward with her thrilling design. Located in a suburb flooded with competing salons, Hues Hair is unlike any other in the streetscape. In fact, it’s unlike a typical Melbourne salon altogether. Keen to avoid the usual salon window tack, where customers are displayed as if they were visual merch-andise, Hanna looked to create a much more private and intimate experience. With the salon’s clientele largely garnered by word of mouth rather than passing foot traffic, Hues Hair has an intentionally quiet street presence. Its modest storefront creates a sense of…

(1) Cushions from Provider Store Handcrafted in Sydney, Provider Store’s cushions are created with “slow made” principles, where wastage is minimal and the experience is unique. The Woven Wool Cushion features a stylish weave in neutral tones and a durable metal zip, and can be used to create a versatile and striking accent. The Line Pillow is hand-painted on one side and sewn by hand. Provider Store providerstore.com.au (2) Liqueur table range by Ross Didier Designed by Ross Didier, the Liqueur table range features sculpted pieces with a fluid aesthetic, inspired by the warmth, richness and clarity of a fine liqueur in a beautiful glass vessel. They are made with a solid American oak base and an elliptical top in either American oak or laminates, and are available in a…

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull claims there’s “never been a more exciting time to be an Australian” and in December 2015, he launched the National Innovation and Science Agenda with great enthusiasm. However, while the government must be applauded for this focus on innovation, there was a collective sigh from the design community. Advocating on behalf of fourteen peak bodies, the Australian Design Alliance responded immediately with a media release titled “Design is the missing innovation ingredient.” Governments at both state and federal levels have not embraced this new culture and struggle to know how to integrate design into public policy, even though the National Cultural Policy recognizes design thinking as a “ubiquitous capability for innovation.” You simply can’t innovate without design. Design is a driver of innovation. Design is…

Tasmania is benefiting from an abundance of new eating and drinking spaces. This is in some part due to the phenomenon of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), but there also seems to be a broader shift in demand and commercial confidence. As a result, there is a growing number of small centres experiencing a reawakening. These centres often take advantage of great settings and allow residents to enjoy local experiences. The Salty Dog Hotel is one such local place, designed by Danielle Brustman and Michelle Boyde (Brustman + Boyde) in collaboration with Pippa Dickson, a furniture designer and one of the hotel’s owners. Abandoned for almost a year, in a state of disrepair and viewed as an undesirable place, this bar on Kingston’s beachfront, ten minutes south…

(1) Almost Secret: Drawers between Art and Design Almost Secret: Drawers between Art and Design is one of a series of publications that approach design, architecture and art through the lens of a particular object – in this case, a drawer. The book features artworks and design objects by grand masters and new protagonists. A collection of essays on the theme of the drawer is presented, unveiling interesting meanings attributed to drawers and closets across a range of disciplines. Manic manic.com.au (2) Ampilatwatja collection by Willie Weston Willie Weston is a textile company that works directly with Indigenous artists and art centres in remote communities to create limited runs of digitally printed fabrics. The Ampilatwatja collection is a new range of unique, curated commercial-grade furnishing fabrics, featuring original artwork by…

More from the 2016 Australian Interior Design Awards The 2016 Australian Interior Design Awards were announced at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney on 10 June 2016. Unfortunately, two commendations in the Hospitality Design category, Lee Ho Fook by Techne Architecture + Interior Design and The Ugly Duckling by Hecker Guthrie, were omitted on the night. The Australian Interior Design Awards apologizes and congratulates these practices, along with the other commended projects and winners. Visit the Australian Interior Design Awards website, australianinteriordesignawards.com, or read Artichoke issue 55 to see the other results.…

Judith Abell is a graduate architect, sculptor and writer who works freelance on her own projects and teaches at the School of Architecture at the University of Tasmania. Abell is engaged in working out how to transform unusual ideas into real things, moments or places. — The Salty Dog Hotel (page 20) Peter Clarke is a Melbourne-based photographer who has vast experience in documenting spectacular buildings and interiors in Australia. With a passion for photography, architecture and design, Peter’s works capture the unique elements of each space, transcending expectations placed upon the complexity of built form. — 106 Flinders Street (page 74) Adam Gibson’s work is defined by a unique blend of composure and spontaneity. Surveying landscape and humanity with an empathetic eye, he draws inspiration from moments of visual…

(1) Pli side table by Victoria Wilmotte for ClassiCon Pli, created by French designer Victoria Wilmotte, is made from stainless steel polished to a high-gloss finish and tinted in a range of neutral or more distinctive colours. Its facets enhance the reflective qualities of the material. Appearing like a precious stone topped with a matching glass top, Pli is a contemporary piece that uses technology to get the most out of simple materials. It is available in four colour options, created by different durations of the surface treatment. Anibou anibou.com.au (2) The Champagne Table by Glen Baghurst Designed by Australian Glen Baghurst, this heavy, opulent table is used to chill and serve champagne. The Champagne Table was developed through a collaboration between Baghurst and AB M&E Ohlssons Klockgjuteri bell foundry.…

There’s a story Dom Roberts and James Brown like to tell that perfectly sums up the spirit of Mash, the Adelaide-based graphic design studio they established in 2002. It begins with a late-night working session that resulted in a “joke concept” they decided to show client winemaker Justin Lane ahead of their real presentation. “James and I did this sketch of a really rancid-looking dog for Justin’s Yard Dog label and thought it was hilarious. We expected everyone would just have a giggle over it,” says Roberts. “But when Justin saw it, he loved it.” The joke may have backfired, however, there’s no underestimating Lane’s trust in Mash to deliver the goods. That, and as Brown explains it, “Justin’s a rogue, so we’re a good match.” The self-proclaimed and multi-awarded…