SOUP MAGAZINE Issue 5

The unknown impact of the approaching Millennium hasbrought about a change in the mind set of many purists.

Minimalism has become multi-dimensional, its definition:many things to many people. Under this influence minimalist design is movingaway from its trademark stark white reduced surfaces. Elements of innovativetexture and injections of bold colour (Red being the colour of choice) arecreeping in, in what may best be described as a metamorphosis, an undergroundmovement which is subtly and slowly making itself known.

Statements of this wave of thought are present in thenew chic eateries emerging in the inner city suburbs of Australia, wherespace is limited and eye candy lures the discerning/critical cafe crowd.

To view Chan's gourmet delicatessen and cafe ata distance, one might comment that a dash of the self assured style thatSydney or Melbourne has to offer, has finally made its presence felt in Perth.The striking aesthetic and harmonious combination of elements certainly impress.However, upon entering the space one will begin to discover that these elementsare in fact the true essence of Chan's, and that this space was conceivedwith far more in mind than an intent to impress.

Chan's gourmet delicatessen and cafe has an open, relaxed feel while embracing family tradition and the spiritualbeliefs shared by proprietors Phil Walker and Daniel Chan. Chan is thirdgeneration Chinese and was sent to Australia by his father during the early1990's. A family of coffee merchants, their company Teong Hock was foundedbased upon principles of integrity and in fostering a spirit of wellbeingin the surrounding community. Chan's deli-cafe of Northbridge is theretail face of Teong Hock and is therefore dedicated to the original idealsof the company founder, as is detailed in the engaging Chan's web site.

In an informed translation of such ideals into threedimensions, Walker and Chan integrated the five Chinese Live Elementsof water, fire, metal, wood and earth. Water presents in a tank which dividesthe dining and deli areas, the air bubbles flowing through create the movementsymbolic of prosperity. Torches or uplighting enclosed by narrow wall recessespainted red, represent fire. The forces at work embody tranquillity, goodluck and prosperity, culminating in a celebration of life.

Placement, colour and material were addressed in asensitive observation of Chinese beliefs. No one element seems to dominate,although upon learning of the additives to the concrete mix in forming thecommunal table and deli servery, one cannot help but examine these structuresclosely. Mung beans, red beans, tea leaves and rice combine within the concreteto encourage the nurturing and continuation of life.

The unified design is uniquely suggestive of a stampedsignature formed by a woodblock. The space which we occupy feels sculpted,carved out to reveal each element. This permanence of each component createsa sense of ease and comfort which will encourage our patronage at any timeof day, to acknowledge any occasion. In the words of John Pawson, Chan'sto some may offer a chance to be in touch with the essence of existence,rather than be distracted by the trivial. To others, it will simply act asan effective backdrop to time spent together.

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