Italian FLAVOUR

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

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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.