ANQI

ANQI
Karina Tropp & Natalie Larriva

ANQI is a dynamic and culinary experience in Vietnamese fusion food, located adjacent to Bloomingdales in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza. The design concept evolves from the imagination of its owner, Mrs. Elizabeth An, by incorporating Feng Shui and modern sustainability based on the four elements: Earth, Water, Fire and Wind; The color Red is used as an accent throughout the space because of its unique and powerful significance in Asian culture: energy, strength, spirit, flavor, and spice. Red is a symbol of good luck in Asian cultures representing fire and passion, the very emotions that this space and savory dishes inspire.

Through the use of lightweight and crystallographic partitions which slide on a rail, the approximately 8000 square foot floor plan can be subdivided into different intimate areas, or easily be combined to use the space at full capacity. In the middle of the restaurant there is a glass floor runner to be used as a catwalk during fashion events. There are also two private dining areas, one of which contains a “secret kitchen window” to view the chefs at work.

 

There is special emphasis on the use of different textures throughout the space. Some material colors may look similar in hue, but they offer a completely different sensation when touched. Another design highlight was the use of several types of flooring and the close attention paid to its joinery, unconventionally finished as triangular tips.

 

Floor types ranging from reclaimed wood, polished concrete, pebbles, and slate flooring all serve to create a space that feels both organic and modern.

 

The ambience is contemporary but has an eclectic component, bought fourth by the use of antique Asian furnishings and art. The use of large scale wooden structures on walls and ceilings create a sense of outdoor living in an indoor space.

The lighting, which is backlit from behind the wooden structures, emphasizes this dramatic entry installation,  and bird cages hanging from above add a playful touch. This smooth transition between indoor to outdoor areas is typical of Asian architectural tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As previously mentioned, the design bases its inspiration on the four natural elements. Upon entry, the bar and reception desk were designed to represent the element Earth.

Thick poured concrete with added stone countertops, bases, and metallic rusted panels all draw on Earths heaviest materials. The floor to ceiling wine display and dramatic catwalk are made of cool green and blue glass, and represent the element of Water. The partitions, made with glass and metal frames covered with various sheer and semi-opaque textured fabrics, represent Wind. And the red color used in the combed stucco textured wall covering, along with the oversized candles, represent fire.

The use of sustainable materials such as leather panels as wall coverings, hay rings as accent pieces, flowers, and mushrooms gave an earthy feeling to the space.  

 

Dark brown porcelain with silky texture is used for the restroom floor and part of the walls, joined by the use of a metal frame. Limestone counters, cove lighting, and glass tile accents all combine to inspire a sense of serenity and modernity. Black panels,  pyramid forms, and undulating wood all accent the ceilings throughout. The balance between dark and light adds a stark and dynamic contrast, created through the use of natural light to up lighting to wall washing to playful pendants. No stone was left unturned to ensure that ANQI features the most unique and cutting edge in design and architecture, elevating this chic restaurant from location to destination.

 

Sources:

ANQI- anqibistro.com

Concrete floor/ counter- hartconcretedesign.com
Wooden entry structure- southernwoodcraft.net
Glass shelving (wine display)- stylmark.com
Combed stucco- warnockstudios.com
Sliding partitions- http://www.becker.uk.com/
Tile- daltile.com
Ceiling- armstrong.com (commercial ceiling installations)
Reclaimed wood floor- mountainlumber.com
Art installations (wall)- mywallart.com/designs
Lighting (cove, backlighting)- winonalighting.com