The Courtyard seamlessly integrates organic elements including textured stone and natural greenery with the sleek lines of custom, modern furnishings. Dominated by a large, highly reflective abstract sculpture, the space establishes a sensory tension that subtly shifts perception, defining the area as both a social hub and a gateway to the venue’s deeper immersive experiences.
The design employs a sophisticated contrast between organic forms, like the stone flooring and tropical plants, and highly saturated, luxurious textures. Heavy, silver draping dominates the backdrop, creating a theatrical and dreamlike ambience. This vibrant social area uses oxidized metal and patterned upholstery against polished marble, establishing a sense of temporal ambiguity that aligns with the venue’s immersive, escapist nature.
The casual seating area reinforces the concept’s emphasis on familiarity and comfort through soft, curved chairs and a textured stone floor. The distinctive checkered tabletop, viewed from above, introduces a subtle element of visual distortion and playfulness. This setting is meticulously curated to foster relaxed connection and contribute to the overall sunlit, dreamlike ambience of the escape.
The space embodies the illusionary room concept with a focus on dramatic surrealism. A low, serpentine seating structure defines the path, encouraging intimate conversation. Above, vast, translucent umbrella-like forms create a complex display of shifting textures and light. The resulting perceptual distortion ensures the environment offers a truly extraordinary and memorable form of escapism.
The semi-private pods offer an intimate enclave for connection. Guests retreat into curved booths upholstered in olive tones, surrounding a sleek, metallic table. Distinguished by a striking checkered floor and a flowing, sculptural ceiling fixture, the pods are defined by translucent partitions that nurture intimacy while retaining a gentle visual link to the world outside.
The reception area welcomes guests into a realm of shifting textures and warm, deep tones. A sprawling, organic stone floor anchors the space, featuring a central dark circular rug below a dramatic hanging installation of dried foliage. To the right, a rich, patterned screen borders the room, contrasting with the sweeping, gold-draped archways beyond.
01 02 03
COURTYARD
GROUND LEVEL BAR
CASUAL SEATING
04 05 06
EVENT ROOM SEMI PRIVATE PODS RECEPTION
Ground Floor:
- Main dining area with adaptable seating arrangements for groups and individuals
- Reception and welcome lounge designed to set the immersive tone
- Bar and beverage service area
- Outdoor seating
- Open Kitchen and food preparation zones
- Restrooms (gender-inclusive, if feasible)
- Storage and staff support areas
The design must foster both shared and personal experiences. Flexible social areas and familiar, welcoming dining settings will encourage togetherness, while private enclaves will provide space for intimacy and reflection. Extending beyond the conventional, illusionary rooms wil introduce surreal environments where perception shifts and reality folds into wonder, ensuring each visit feels unique and transformative.
First Floor:
-Semi-Private dining rooms for corporate gatherings and special occasions
- Additional lounge or waiting area for guests
- Secondary bar or beverage station
- Restrooms
Chef Sujan Sarkar is a visionary Indian chef known for transforming traditional Indian cuisine into artistic, narrative driven dishes. Originating near Kolkata, he blends rich Indian flavors with modern techniques, presenting food as “plates as canvases.” Sarkar has worked internationally in London, Dubai and the U.S. and owns acclaimed restaurants like Indienne (Chicago’s first Indian Michelin-starred eatery), Nadu, Swadesi and Baar Baar. His culinary style emphasises storytelling through innovative plating and dimension shifting experiences, making Indian fine dining both creative and accessible. Sarkar continues to redefine Indian haute cuisine, combining tradition with contemporary artistry and cultural depth.
Elysian Fold is an immersive dining experience designed as an escape from the weight of the everyday world. Inspired by the word sonder the realisation that every passerby lives a life as vivid and complex as our own the restaurant offers a sanctuary where worldly problems are momentarily set aside, replaced with laughter, connection and memory-making. At its heart, Elysian Fold is both social and personal. Guests may gather in casual seating that feels familiar and welcoming, share moments in vibrant social areas, or retreat into private enclaves that nurture intimacy. For those seeking something more extraordinary, a series of illusionary rooms extend the journey: surreal environments where perception is gently distorted and reality bends into wonder. Each space offers a unique form of escape whether playful, serene, or thought-provoking and invites return visits, as every experience feels new. The design harmonises indulgence with accessibility. Organic forms, shifting textures, curated lighting and immersive soundscapes create dreamlike ambiences that free the senses. The menu mirrors this philosophy, with dishes crafted as sensorial narratives that carry guests through unexpected flavours, colours and aromas. Elysian Fold is more than a restaurant it is a world within the world. A place where everyone, regardless of their story, can step aside from daily pressures, share joy with loved ones and discover escapes that feel truly their own.
The premises at 198-200 Australia Street, Newtown, occupy a highly coveted location bordering the expansive Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, offering a rare sense of tranquility amidst a dense urban setting. Historically known as “The Bakery,” the site is an architecturally significant warehouse conversion, which is subject to heritage planning controls. This positioning ensures high visibility while demanding a respectful integration of the Elysian Fold concept with the industrial character and historical integrity of the building. Its proximity to the bustling King Street and Enmore Road places it at the cultural heart of Sydney’s Inner West.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout the development of this project. Your guidance, encouragement, and belief in my creative vision made this work possible. Thank you to my teachers, peers, and family for inspiring me and helping me grow as a designer.
© 2025 Aarshi Rabadia . All Rights Reserved.
All designs, concepts, text, and renders in this publication are created by and the property of Aarshi Rabadia
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