Daniel Jiwoo KIrby

BROKENINK

Bachelor of Design Interior Design Retail Experience Spatial Narrative

Retail Comic Store, 1, 41/37 Nuffield Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023

BROKENINK is a retail comic shop deeply rooted in the power of gutters in comic books, Manga, and graphic novels. These gutters serve as a narrative tool to delve into past, present, and future events. The inspiration comes from the manga "DDDD, Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction," highlighting government control and human destruction.
The shop itself explores the history of railway workshops in NewMarket, the present-day human devastations spiralling out of control, and a future post-apocalyptic scenario. The core message to customers is to address problems by working with what's available, akin to repurposing historical sites rather than demolishing them. A parallel example is New Zealand's environmental challenges, emphasizing that alternative actions should genuinely solve problems, rather than perpetuate them.
The shop's design reflects a post-apocalyptic aesthetic, inspired by Lebbeus Woods, featuring reading areas, bookshelves, a workshop for crafting tools from recycled materials, an exhibition space, and a burger and coffee bar reminiscent of the past. Industrial elements like damaged concrete, rusted metal, and brutal architecture, preserve the existing structure while offering a unique and thought-provoking experience.