Sabrina Young

Tanpopo

* Tanpopo = Japanese word for dandelion

‘Tanpopo’ is a light-hearted graphic novel retail store located in the heart of Newmarket. The corner site is a busy and diverse streetscape where Nuffield Street and Balm Street intersect, whether you are darting between retail stores or as a thoroughfare to and from the train station. The space emulates approachability, ephemeral and lightness evoking childhood nostalgia of blowing dandelions also inspired by the Manga “Imadoki!”. The floor plan layout is inspired by the chaotic dispersion of the white floaties parts of the dandelion, the “pappus”. As you nudge the revolving doors with curiosity, you transition into the shop as if you have jumped into a manga yourself. You are greeted by the soft light and blurred contoured detailing on the wall approaching the counter. As you continue through the contoured wall, artists and artists in the making are encouraged to use sketch, design, and bind their own paper publications.