How History Grows

By Rohan Sajnani

Entering Florette, a modest new restaurant on Queen Street West in Toronto, one immediately notices the massive barrel-vaulted ceiling that extends the entire space. Backed by impressionistic floral wallpaper, it creates an immersive effect reminiscent of a greenhouse or solarium. “We wanted to create a welcoming environment for the community, not something implanted that didn’t feel like it belonged” says owner Jerry Zhang.

Designed by Toronto-based Denizens of Design, the restaurant represents the organic evolution of inhabited spaces and their history. Dating back to the late 1800s, it has been a multi-generational home, art gallery, karaoke bar, gay club and dive bar. Understanding the community that has grown around the space was a keystone in the design process. “It had been built up, torn apart, built up again,” says Zhang, “but each time leaving little mementos and Easter eggs of the many spaces that existed before.”