Long Wu · CLIENT: Hashtag Theory Inc.
Petit Potato is a bar and restaurant located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto. The interior covers about 4,435 square feet and is divided into three zones named Luminous Lagoon, Ethereal Forest, and Spiritual Cave. Organic forms, layered textures, and dynamic lighting create a calm retreat from the dense urban surroundings. Textured tiles, reflective metals, and natural wood are used throughout the space. Existing structural columns are shaped into tree-like forms, and plant installations are mounted upside down.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, this bar and restaurant contrasts the dense urban landscape of glass towers and corporate bustle. Divided into three zones, Luminous Lagoon, Ethereal Forest, and Spiritual Cave, it offers a sensory escape through organic forms, layered textures, and dynamic lighting. Blending fantasy and nature, this biophilic retreat near major transit hubs and luxury retail transports guests from city chaos into tranquility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Enchanted Escape to Surreal Biophilia spans approximately 4,435 SQFT, with key spatial elements adding depth to the design.
- Tags
- Biophilic, Surrealism, Lighting, Organic, Aquatic, Dreamlike, Restaurant Design, Bar Design
- Production Technology
- The design of Enchanted Escape to Surreal Biophilia was realized using 3D modeling and rendering software through a variety of different designs. Materials like textured tiles, reflective metals, and natural wood were chosen for their tactile and visual impact. Dynamic lighting with smart controls enhances the immersive atmosphere. The upside-down plant installations, achieved through trial and error, required innovative structural solutions, with multiple prototypes tested to balance stability and visual impact, refining the design for both aesthetic and safety.
- Design Challenge
- Lighting had to shift atmospheres without overwhelming the space. Existing structural columns were creatively transformed into tree-like forms, blending with the environment. The upside-down plant installations needed careful placement to defy gravity and align with the lighting scheme.
- Project Duration
- Started: May 2023
Completed: August 2024
Location: Downtown Toronto Bay Street - Operation Flow
- The design of Enchanted Escape to Surreal Biophilia creates an immersive experience, transporting guests from the fast-paced Bay Street atmosphere into a serene, otherworldly retreat. Through dynamic lighting, organic forms, and surreal elements, the space fosters a sense of wonder and tranquility. Easy navigation and distinct zones, like the Luminous Lagoon and Ethereal Forest, guide guests on a journey that evolves throughout their visit. The lighting subtly shifts to enhance mood, ensuring each visit feels unique, personal, and deeply engaging.
- Research
- The project aims to create an immersive bar and restaurant that contrasts the rigid urban environment of downtown Toronto with nature-inspired, surreal design elements. Zones like the Luminous Lagoon, Ethereal Forest, and Spiritual Cave foster relaxation and escape, blending biophilic design with fantasy. Organic forms, dynamic lighting, and layered textures offer patrons a journey through tranquil, nature-infused spaces. The design strikes a balance between providing a retreat from the city's hustle and maintaining functional spaces for dining and social interaction.
- Inspiration
- The design for Enchanted Escape to Surreal Biophilia draws inspiration from:
1. Biophilic Design and Surrealism: Drawing from nature's inherent tranquility, the design incorporates organic shapes and textures to evoke a sense of escape. Inspired by surrealism, the space merges fantasy with reality, creating an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere that connects guests to a reimagined natural world.
2. Aquatic Inspiration: Lighting and reflective surfaces mimic the fluidity of underwater environments, enhancing the surreal ambiance and providing a calming, otherworldly experience.
Press releases are available in 1 languages.