Shijo on Fourth

Interior Design

This Japanese restaurant on Fourth Ave., Vancouver was the first modern Japanese restaurant in the city. It was a play on the influence of Japan on the turn of the century Viennese Secession and on Glasgow's Mackintosh. Robins and team designed the chairs, fabrics, logo, stained glass, two iconic light fixtures, menu and graphics. As well, much of the fixtures were manufactured in the studio. The gold and silver walls were done by the AAR team the night before the opening. The interior looked out to the view instead of internally, and the 'sails' between the tables represented the sails of the small craft in the bay. Arthur Erickson declared it his favourite restaurant, and David Bowie thought it was the best Japanese restaurant outside of Japan.