Bang Bang
Bringing some Shinjuku nightlife to Darling Square

Work Included

Branding
Environmental graphics
Menu design
Printed collateral
Website design

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.

We set out to cause a flood of visual stimulus so each surface was drenched in visual cues to the Tokyo streetscape. From the floors, walls and ceiling we used carefully planned a mix of design to remind visitors of the often over the top aesthetic of Tokyo nightlife.

Custom murals were created by local artists James Jirat Patradoon and Inku Shoji to help emphasise the Japanese eclictic style. They were hand painted on boards for the table and entrance wall and printed to hang above the bar.

Blank vending machines were sourced and we then redrew vinyl decals based on photos from Japanese vending machines. The vending machines took only Japanese currency so people would purchase the drinks by swapping money at the bar as needed.

Printed pieces help set the scene

Menus and stationery incorporated illustrative elements from artist James Jirat Patradoon and displayed a raw typewriter feel. All the visual touchpoints were considered from beer glasses, table numbers to coasters.The dinner menus had a thick black uncoated cover with a glossy black print which showed up in the light, whilst the internal pages were inset and sewn stitched.

Project Credits

Interior Design: Interior Life
Murals: James Jirat Patradoon and Enku Shoji
Photography and Video Instillation: Robin Hearfield
Intern: Rucha Patel
Photography: Robin Hearfield and Steve Woodburn

Awards

Best Awards (NZ): Silver – Environmental Graphics
Best Awards (NZ): Finalist – Small Brand Identity
AGDA Awards: Finalist – Environmental Graphics
AGDA Awards: Finalist – Brand Identity