Chinar: A Taste of the Orient, Near and Far

A Visually Stunning Experience with Deep Roots into Central Asian Cultures

The name "Chinar" is derived from the local name for the Oriental Plane tree, which is also a cognate for "China." This connection between Azerbaijan and China, established through the Silk Road network, forms the basis for the brand's development.

What sets Chinar apart is its unique design elements. Azerbaijan, known as the "land of fire," inspired the flame pattern abstracted from the tree's bark, which became the rising sun icon used in the logo. The typeface was specially created to suggest branches and claws of a dragon, a mythical creature common in Central and Eastern Asia.

The realization of the design involved the development of a versatile logo that could be applied to various mediums, including print, digital, embroidery, engraving, and 3D forms. Additionally, a wide range of items were produced to express the brand identity, such as signage, menus, packaging, tableware, uniforms, a website, and even a music CD.

Chinar is not just a dining destination; it is an experience. The building, spanning two floors with an external terrace, offers a multitude of reasons to visit, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea time, shisha smoking, and DJ/VJ performances. The visual communication extends to all activities, creating a cohesive and holistic "creative world."

The project, which began in 2008 and was designed in London, was completed in Baku in 2010. The 1500 square meter site has become the most well-known restaurant, bar, and lounge in the country and the region.

Extensive research was conducted for the design, including visits to various locations, interviews with local people of all generations, and studying books on history, geography, and botany. Current trends for destination dining in cities like London, Los Angeles, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Tokyo were also analyzed.

One of the main challenges of the project was transforming the site, which was previously an old tea house shaded by many trees known as "Chinar." The aim was to create a new building that would cater to both 21st-century millennials and older generations. The success of the new brand is evident in its acceptance and embrace by all, making it a source of pride for Baku society.

Chinar has garnered recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

Chinar: a taste of the Orient, near and far. Conceived and designed by Henry Chebaane, this visually stunning experience pays homage to the cultures of Central Asia. With its vibrant colors, rich textures, and intricate patterns inspired by trees like the Oriental Plane, Mulberry, Bamboo, and Walnut, Chinar has become a must-visit destination for visitors from all over the world.

Image Credits: Blue Sky Hospitality