With a few spots already dotted throughout Milan, Yango Zhang, the owner of take away chain Ichi Station, wanted to highlight the dine-in experience at their latest outpost on Via Solferino. With the help of award-winning creative consultancy, Masquespacio, Zhang’s latest Ichi embarks on a bold and futuristic aesthetic, meticulously crafted to embody the innovative spirit of the sushi served within.
Located in an early 20th century building in an historically important street of the northern Italian city, the existing design embodied the style of the time the building was constructed, through use of arches and vaults. Taking the decision to break with traditional elements, Masquespacio converted the space into a contemporary concept, a time-capsule in which to travel to the future and beyond. Whilst the brand’s identity is heavily influenced by travel, the Valencian-based design studio concentrated more on ‘travel to the future through light,’ for this particular restaurant.
Renowned for their delectable and reasonably priced sushi, Ichi Station’s vibrant outposts are scattered throughout Milan, each offering a colourful haven for patrons to order their culinary delights and, in some instances, enjoy a seated dining experience. The Via Solferino locale, however, boasts a larger, modern setting with booth and counter seating options. Custom-made furnishings, such as illuminated glass tables, add a touch of uniqueness to the dining experience, enhancing the restaurant’s futuristic aura.
Venturing further into the establishment’s ‘second’ section, the ceiling descends to its lowest possible height, drawing visitors towards a half-sphere that leads into a tunnel. Here, one can marvel at the artistry of sushi chefs as they prepare the dishes in real time. Ichi Station Via Solferino is more than a mere quick-food eatery; thanks to Masquespacio it’s an immersive journey through time and space, where the fusion of the past, present, and future converges in a symphony of taste and visual delight.
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Ichi Station Via Solferino Photography, Luis Beltran.
