Deep Dive takes its aesthetic inspiration from the worlds of Charles Darwin and Jules Verne, capturing the human spirit of curiosity and imagination. Accessed via a nondescript entryway tucked discretely between the two Amazon Spheres, the bar unfolds as a journey.

Deep Dive is created out of one of three residual spaces located between and below the spheres (Graham Baba also designed Understory, a multipurpose exhibit venue that occupies one of the other two spaces). The design of Deep Dive embraces its inherent spatial limitations: small scale, varying ceiling heights, and complicated shape.

Inside, a gently sloping ramp brings guests into a sophisticated environment eschewing minimalism, favoring a rich array of materials and objects. The floor plan mirrors the complex space with a curved, tufted velvet banquette, and gently curved bar. The intimate 1,677-square-foot space is wrapped in wood, punctuated by shelves, niches, and cloches, supporting an array of natural objects and assorted artifacts, transforming the space into a veritable cabinet of curiosities. The setting unfolds as a series of vignettes; entry, bar seating area, and library.

Overhead, the ceiling is composed of a custom-designed array of suspended steel “ribbons,” which add drama to the space, while simultaneously concealing the existing mechanical equipment which dips into the space. Velvet covered occasional seating, small cocktail tables, and antique furnishings round out the space.

The library, separated from the primary bar by a steel-framed and glass paneled wall, and furnished with an eclectic mix of antiques, provides a private space for small gatherings. Carpets, drapes, luxurious fabrics, and dark woods (stained ash, oak, and walnut), custom metalwork handrails, and decorative panels round out the space.

Deep Dive is much more than a simple bar at The Spheres. It’s s showcase of the architectural team’s fine work of transforming a challenging space into a social space with a distinctive and memorable look and feel. An itinerary for a Seattle visit should include a stop at this mysterious bar, where one can relax and settle into one of the majestic armchairs in the library.

All photos by Haris Kenjar

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Graham Baba Architects design team

Jim Graham

Ellen Cecil

Susan Tillack

Connor Davidge

Francesco Borghesi

Carlos Lopes

Consultant team

Grahama Baba Architects (concept, interior architecture, design lead)

Amazon (client)

Sea Creatures (tenant)

Okano Picard Studio (architectural support)

Charlie Hellstern Interior Design (interior design)

Curtis Steiner (collections curation)

Arup (structural / mechanical / electrical / acoustical / AV)

Niteo (lighting)

Karen Braitmayer (accessibility)

CMA Restaurant Supply (bar equipment)

Spearhead (pre-fabrication for custom steel ribbon ceiling)

Sellen (contractor)

Key sub-contractors

Veca (electrical)

Auburn (M/E/P)

Custom Interiors (casework fabrication)

Architectural Elements (custom metalwork)

Resolute (custom bar lighting)