Mediterranean Moderne

Iris is more than a restaurant. Iris reimagines how sustenance, healthful life, and social interaction can be integrated into our lives. Midtown Manhattan is home to one of the most diverse communities that NYC offers. This neighborhood includes classic residential buildings, modern pied-à-terre for the globe-trotting affluent, traditional class A office space, and creative agencies alike. Iris was conceived as an all-day destination for all these populations to come together to dine, drink and connect in a glamorous and yet down-to-earth environment. Iris is located on the ground floor of the MONY Building (or Mutual of New York Building), which opened in 1950 and was designed by Shreve & Lamb, the architects of the Empire State Building. It is an excellent example of mid-century "Streamline Moderne" architecture (a subset of the Art Deco) characterized by strong horizontal lines and sweeping, curving forms. Taking cues from the tradition of the building's architecture and the Mediterranean "blue zone" influences of the cuisine, the design of the Iris feels like the sleek and luxuriously interior of a private yacht. Hand-carved woodwork in blond weather-worn airy tones reminiscent of a ship's cabin can be found throughout. Purpose-built, tailored, highly functional elements are the defining mode. High gloss lacquer and polished chrome play to the ship-like quality of the spaces. A wood ceiling, a ship's deck, flipped on its head, defines the main dining room. Hospitable, comforting, comfortable, and pancultural with a touch of mid-century glamour are the defining characteristics of Iris and its interior. Midtown has a new home away from home.

From

2018 to 2023

Location

Broadway, New York NY

Project Team

Adam Rolston, Amy E Cahill, Anthony Botezatu, Billy Abramenko, Chloe Bennett, Drew Stuart, Elizabeth Coughlin, Gabriel Benroth, Grant T Inglis, Irene Wang, Jordan D Hood, Kay Kuo, Kazuki Daimo, Louisa B Revitte, Nathan Mohamedali, Nitayaporn Sithiprasasana, and Tyler M Kleck

Services

Architecture, Interiors, FF&E, and Product Design

Featured in

NY Yimby 2020Commercial Observer 2020

Part of

InteriorRestaurantAll