MARU is a Restaurant and Bar lounge on 2 floors, 8,000 square feet. MARU for me is a visual Language I see and know internally. It is a feeling of energy within. I made this project with the intent to create a change in Koreatown in NYC that would make a statement. Every aspect of Maru was detailed and designed from start to finish. The concept of the Bell that anchors the two floors is designed for the people to interact with. They can touch see it and sit under the massive bell. The Bell I made from Foam and I had thought of given it a patina finish to make it look heavy when I had my sculpture make it. The Authentic Enlarged Temple Bell is surround by 2 walls of oversized Abacus I had made it to compliment the scale of the bell and space. The background is made of white shear curtains to add lightness to the space and erase the outside. I wanted this space to feel like a ruin that one is entertained in and uses with there own creativity and be inspired from. The 4th floor is connected vertically conceptually and physically with an oversized chain I had custom made according to my drawings. The white tunnel is the main space of the 4th floor for eating and drinking and what surrounds the open space are 7 VIP lounges that can peak in. I wanted to create the interaction between private and public with the feeling of privacy. My design language travels in and out of the space as well as on the exterior of the building. I created sculptural signage that is attached to the building facade to further extend the language of MARU to the outside. I wanted this space to inspire others of there own talents when they see and experience it. This is my greatest goal of the space. Sincerely, Matthew Kelly - MKDREAMDESIGN