Vibrant cultures combine to create the enchanting Chiki Chan
Chiki Chan Melbourne, Australia
The lighting design for Chiki Chan sees a modern reinterpretation of ‘East meets West’.
Sprinkle inspiration from Australia’s rich migrant history, mixed with two pinches of neon illuminating our alleyways and you have the playful Chiki Chan – a heartfelt homage to Melbourne meets Asia.
“Chiki Chan is a playful brand and it was important to integrate this ethos when collaborating with interior designer Elvin Tan into the concept.”
Bringing an Asian-inspired modern Melbourne cuisine to their abode in the Bayside, the local influence is strong with this one. A modern reinterpretation of ‘East meets West’.
Interior DESIGN
Elvin Tan
LIGHTING DESIGN
ambience
We let the colour do a lot of the playing and talking when it came to illumination design. The playfulness begins at the curved entrance, which – like a great first line of a novel – sets the scene for what you’re about to be immersed in. The illumination the entrance cove defines the mood of the space. The red provides a rich gradient as it reflects off the aluminium finish and caresses the curves, petering to a crescendo. The colouring was commissioned using Casambi. There was a desire to not over light but also create a richness in depth with the selection of a vibrant red.
Integral to the space is the showcase feature, the Sculptured Neon Flex Pendant. Designed to integrate and enter through the bulkheads before reappearing on the other side. The organic form was moulded onsite, ensure it felt natural and part of the building itself. It was crafted and engineered so that over time it will hold its shape. We experimented and mastered clips to give the illusion that the piece was floating.
Piccolo Surface/Concealed
Panorama Smooth Wall Mounted
Bendable Medley Surface/Concealed
The ultra-petite Piccolo linear plays a part in the curved hallway helping clientele transition from dining area to backroom bar. It’s arranged in a mesmerising and inviting linear formation, one that alters the mood and sets the anticipation as it beckons to explore what lies within. The bathrooms see light levels and colouring was perfected so that one would still look good in the mirrors after a few drinks – because we all know that’s the single most important thing when out on the town? To achieve a special kind of smooth you need a special kind of smooth linear luminaire – Medley (a smooth and sophisticated LED linear fixture).
The back bar area also features Piccolo RGB above bar, recessed into the ceiling and also adding accent on the shelves. In the private dining we have Panorama RGB wall lights. There’s also suspended Panorama Suspended at back. And we cannot forget the andro xxs adjustable recessed in curved metal at the main bar.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chris Murray
BRANDING
Principle
“the crossroads of lighting design, interior design, retail design and visual merchandising”
Overall lighting complements the finishes, with varying strategies and different lighting levels for the areas within the space. In the bar its brighter, seating its dim. Contrast works its socks off. And the playfulness is not only an ide to the brand but Melbourne meets Asia aesthetic. The result is an enchanting space that cradles the intersection of being inspired by the city and cultures from which it grew, but is also feels refreshingly new.
