Acclaimed architecture and interior design firm adds to their robust portfolio at Santana Row
(OAKLAND, CA, November 25, 2019) — Arcsine, the Oakland-based architecture and interior design firm, has completed its most recent project, Meso, a 200-seat modern Mediterranean restaurant in San Jose at Santana Row. The latest concept from the Left Bank restaurant group will see executive chef Gregory Short, a veteran of French Laundry and Masa, bring French influence to Mediterranean cuisine. Arcsine utilized their signature “Method Design” to concept the restaurant which draws from Mediterranean influences to create an urban retreat within the bustling hub of Santana Row. The project was led by Arcsine’s Principal Adam Winig, Senior Designer Eunji Kim, and Interior Designer Soo Yoo
“Our method design practice means bringing our client’s vision to life,” shares Arcsine Principal and Co-Founder Adam Winig. “We worked closely with Left Bank to showcase the ethos of Meso—it was like dropping a stone in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and watching the waves ripple along the shores of a variety of countries and cultures. Our approach allowed Arcsine to find ways to incorporate Greek, Italian, French, and Moroccan themes, mixed with local elements and art motifs, into an oasis for the San Jose community and beyond.”
Meso’s atmosphere cultivates a sense of discovery and wanderlust. A warm earth toned palette along with the cool blue hues of the Mediterranean Sea imparts the space with an overarching sense of calm. Upon entering, a decorative blue tile inlay at the host stand welcomes guests while inlaid rope and wood shelves offers a glimpse into the dining room. Terrazzo wraps the length of the bar wall and folds onto the floor, while custom patterned white metal screens encapsulate the bar area overhead, paying homage to Moroccan patterns and archways. Beside the bar, a communal table is flanked by two dried olive trees and mirrored alcoves.
Evoking scenes from a Mediterranean courtyard, Spanish moss, air plants, and succulents dot the dining room. A free standing fountain with hand-made blue tiles serves as the centerpiece of the dining room, while two pendants each with 12 hand-blown lamps from Troy Lighting illuminate the tables below. Off the main room, the private dining room entryway is bordered by custom millwork. Mosaic wall tile connects arched niches while column mounted sconces provide warmth.
Sliding accordion doors seamlessly connect the indoor dining rooms to the outdoor patio. The patio is blanketed by a louvered deck-covering and string lights, providing context to the curved alfresco space. Heating lamps and fans provide year-round comfort for guests sitting at the dining tables and lounge spaces. French-inspired round back metal chairs surround the custom metal tables with tile insets as teak wood with light fabrics and rose textured throws complete the outdoor environment.
Local elements were critical in providing a space that resonated with the community. Wrapping the façade of the restaurant is an exquisite mural by Bay Area Artist Caroline Lizarraga, evocative of rammed earth and the washed tonal hues of the Mesopotamian Plains. Local influence is also found in two large pieces of custom rope art, designed by San Francisco-based Windy Chien, located above the round booths in main dining room.
ABOUT ARCSINE
Arcsine is an Oakland-based design and architecture firm that creates innovative and dynamic environments through an immersive process called “Method Design.” Focused on hospitality and restaurant design, the firm prominently values its client relationships, leading to positive experiences driven by acute attention at every stage. By enabling strategic conversations with creatives and stakeholders at every level, Arcsine develops overall plans rooted in engrossing narratives. Taking on the character mindset of each project, Arcsine engages collaborators with foundational synergies aligned with clear, immersive directives. The firm centers its designs on a process of humility, collaboration, and transparency to deliver architecturally stunning, aesthetically immersive spaces.
ABOUT MESO
Meso, meaning “middle,” is a modern Mediterranean restaurant and bar, an oasis in the heart of Santana Row, located at 3060 Olsen Dr. #50 San Jose, CA 95128. The menu, a collaboration between Chef/Partner Roland Passot and Executive Chef Gregory Short, brings to life the flavors and ingredients of the Mediterranean Basin. Spacious seating on the patio, bar, dining room, and private dining room make Meso ideal for groups of all sizes. A visit to Meso is more than just a delicious meal, it’s a chance to come together and connect.