DESIGN NAME: Anzu Restaurant
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Restaurant
INSPIRATION: Anzu’s interior design was based on uniting two very different teaching of Japanese aesthetics; Shinto and Mayabi. Whilst Shinto celebrates wholeness in nature and character, Mayabi applauds polished manners and elimination of roughness and crudity so as to achieve the highest grace. These two philosophies are evident in materials used throughout the interior. We experimented freely with a fusion of traditional Japanese elements and principles to create a modern dining environment.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Design concept is based on Japanese philosophy of five elements. Entrance is located in the birth area, featuring wood, whilst restaurant and bar are in the centre where yellow colour is reflected in brass and plaster colour. Earth which represents power is found in Shikui plaster and Washi throughout the restaurant. Design of the space is fairly unique in a sense that Anzu is an easily recognisable Japanese restaurant whilst Parisian brasserie feel comes from materials and sound.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: As you arrive and are greeted by the waiter you will notice the movement across the room, created by the wall display of traditional Japanese footwear and back illuminated full height oak strips at the other side of the restaurant. Mechanical workings are hidden from the view by full height sake display. Centrally located bar is hiding staircase and allows for a higher dining and views over the restaurant, thus in turn allowing other diner’s eyes to be drawn to the theatre of the cocktail making
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Project started in December 2015 in Brighton
Project was completed in November 2016 London
Project Location: St James's Market, London
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: We’ve applied traditional materials, building techniques and philosophy of Japan whilst working within the existing architectural elements. The joinery draws from the Japanese simplicity and the primary use of dark and light oak is complimented with simple geometric patterned fabrics and a hardwearing traditional bamboo floor. The warm ambience is achieved through use of soft indirect lighting of bespoke lime plaster mixed with hay which offsets luxurious brass and bronze metal detailing.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The restaurant size is 198.6 square meters situated over two floors. Main bar, restaurant and disabled toilet are located on the ground floor whilst kitchen, staff areas and public toilets are in the basement. Food and dirties are transported using two 600mm sq split car Microlifts.
TAGS: Japanese brasserie, Anzu, Restaurant, London, Blenheim Design, Japanese
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Objective was to create Japanese brasserie serving rustic and refined dishes. We believe that the good restaurant design should reflect the food on offer. We researched Wabi Sabi and Yungen principles of aesthetics which progressed to Mayabi and Shinto principles. Materials and colour palette drew from Japanese elements of earth, metal, stone, wood, fire and water . Result is an atmospheric and functional fine dining environment that embodies a luxurious feel throughout the restaurant interior.
CHALLENGE: The landlord imposed many restrictions, one restriction we overcame was the installation of the bar gantry when we weren’t allowed to suspend any loading from the structural ceiling. This was a challenge as we had a ½ ton metal and glass structure to suspend over the bar. In the design stage we overcame this by cross bracing existing structural beams with a RSJ and suspending the gantry from it. Extra stability was taken from the top of the back bar bottle display.
ADDED DATE: 2017-02-14 15:10:18
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: image #1: Photographer Paul Winch-Furness, 2016
image #2: Photographer Paul Winch-Furness, 2016
image #3: Photographer Paul Winch-Furness, 2016
image #4: Photographer Carol Sachs, 2016
image #5: Photographer Carol Sachs, 2016
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