FIGS Avenues
location Phase III, The Avenues Mall, Kuwait
project area 250 m2
photographs by Nelson Garrido
project year 2013
Located in Phase III of "The Avenues", Kuwait's largest shopping Centre, is Figs' most recent branch. ARCHJS was faced with a challenge of creating a space that was inviting and instilled a sense of warmth and character in an environment full of contrasting elements.

Starting with the exterior of the restaurant; materials similar to those that have been used in the 360 branch like black granite stone, dark grey glass and chrome have been applied to maintain the brand identity. What is different are the rotating glass door panels that have been instilled allowing customers (client) to have the option of having a completely exposed or enclosed dining experience altering the character of the space. Also, each door panel is composed of two layers of glass: dark grey and clear. Imbedded in between the glass panels is a metal mesh that adds a translucency quality to the panel. Even when the rotating door panel is closed, the customer has the ability to see what is outside yet the outside is unable to see what is inside. This type of experimenting with material is a few of the many techniques ARCHJS uses when creating dynamic spaces.

On to the interior, there are 3 elements featured within the design of the restaurant. The first is the eclectic wall display composed of curved metal sheets with yellow led lighting distributed randomly. The second is the sequence of the main seating area which is divided in 4 different sections; each with a custom-made light structure system made out of bronze metal sheets. The third element is the exposed oven cladded in black granite stone within the open kitchen design. It is the root of where operation occurs within the restaurant space.

To maximize the usual appearance of the venue, the kitchen operation was distributed intro two areas. The pizza oven is exposed and merged with the seating area and standing as a buffer zone is the other portion.