Scope: Renovation & Fire restoration
Completed: 2008
By combining modern elements and traditional Chinese influences AKAAN transformed a formerly nondescript Chinese restaurant into a contemporary place for family and friends to meet and enjoy themselves. In the entry area large bamboo poles screen a dark background of classical Chinese poetry. Light shimmers off the Chinese characters inscribed in gold leaf. Floating above the waiting area a field of red lanterns, reminiscent of Chinese temple courtyards during festivals, contrasts with the golden silk wallpaper. A traditional gate frames the entrance to the bar while the entry to the dining room is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional moon gate. The shelves of the glowing back-bar seem to levitate on their own to support the bottles of spirits. AKAAN designed and installed the backlit back-bar as well as the bamboo entry wall and the Chinese staff painted the gold leaf calligraphy.