Italian FLAVOUR

Artist Eliza Gosse and architect Benjamin Jay Shand have cooked up a heady ambience in their newly minted artist studio spaces.

WHAT WERE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR STUDIO SPACES, AND WHAT APPEALED ABOUT THE SITE?

Benjamin Jay Shand Buon Gusto Studios is a collection of new purpose-built artist studios designed to fit within the walls of a classic Italian pizzeria. Colour, texture and tone are derived from the original restaurant’s interior and era to forge a connection between its past and present use. Eliza Gosse The restaurant was adorned with red-checked tablecloths and murals of Sicilian landscapes and loved by many in Sydney’s Darlington. After almost 40 years it sadly closed a few years ago.

WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL (IF ANY)?

BJS We started our design with research including time spent reading archives and hearing neighbour’s stories to develop a greater understanding of the building and its importance – not just to those within its walls but to the wider community. All alterations aimed to retain and restore the original fabric and colour – as a show of respect to the building and all who enjoyed a slice of pizza under its arches. EG We walked Alfredo, the original owner, through his restaurant turned-artist-studios and he shared memories with us about his many years here. Where we wash our brushes, he washed his fish. His ‘Specials’ board is Studio Shand’s corkboard. BJS This process allowed us to restore a building with substantially new interiors instilled with a sense of memory.