We deconstructed the traditional barbershop situation and rebuilt it for a contemporary audience with all its recognisable parts present. Initial inspiration came from the organisation of objects within the traditional barbershop, as well as workshops, sheds and garages. We developed a collaged aesthetic when designing the space and furniture, combining materials and textures in a very straightforward and functional fashion.
We employed English oak as it is a warm, natural material that can be traditionally crafted; coloured steel items were chosen to contrast with this. Throughout the construction it was important to see how the furniture was made; this is mostly evident in the visible joinery of the oak display frames and the inlaid metal shelves and troughs.
The graphic and geometric nature of the Joe and Co. logo and printed material was conceived as a contemporary substitute to the traditional barbershop patterns such as the stripy red-and-white pole and the black-and-white checked lino floors.