Bluprint
Award of Merit: Interior Design/Fitout
Bluprint is to provide an upscale, fine-dining restaurant and liquor bar in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Until now, most Mart eateries were food court or counter-style walk-up establishments.
Notably, bluprint doubles as a showcase for materials available from Merchandise Mart showrooms.
The effect is that of a boutique hotel bar/restaurant that caters to a design-savvy clientele while mixing graphic design elements into interior design spaces. Contrasting textures, light and dark materials, planes of light, glass and zebra wood create drama.
The facility is divided into three sections that represent different energies of the day and are emphasized by the placement of light and color.
Features include zebrawood walls and seating from West Africa, dark mahogany floors and ceiling, corrugated glass, panels of local blue glass and long tables that encourage communal dining. The private dining room includes a multi-media and audiovisual center that be used for business meetings and private functions.
Inspiration for the design came from minimalist artists Donald Judd and Richard Serra and German opera vocalist Klaus Nomi, who was known for his edgy fashion.
Gutting the Space
Prior to bluprint, the space was occupied by Dunphy’s Bar & Grill. Systems for mechanical, electrical, ventilation and plumbing needed to be replaced for code compliance. Indeed, the only elements that were maintained were floor tiles and exhaust hoods in the kitchen and exterior windows.
Bluprint was to be completed by May to allow ample time for owner furnishings and staff training for a grand opening in coordination with Neo Con, the Merchandise Mart’s annual trade show in June.
During construction MEP elements came to light that needed to be addressed on the fly. For example, the bar is situated directly above a ComEd vault in the basement parking garage and special attention was necessary when installing under-floor plumbing pipes hanging from the basement ceiling.
The team was able to build pipes around the electrical box to ensure the safety of the workers and Mart occupants.
Also, due to the confined interior space, a steel cat walk for the air handler system was erected in the kitchen ceiling while paying special attention to the second floor tenant.
Jury Comments: “It’s a sleek, attractive place that would add excitement to a business function. They made it an extension of the Mart. They timed the opening with Neo Con. They had serious construction issues, especially with the vault.”
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