Chinar: A Modern Take on the Ancient Silk Road

Henry Chebaane's Award-Winning Design Brings Myths to Life

The entire concept of Chinar, from its brand name and identity to its interior design and music styling, was inspired by the Silk Road's rich history. The slogan "The Orient Near and Far" encapsulates the design's essence. Chinar is not just a dining space; it's a purpose-built leisure building designed to resemble a large tree house, offering a unique aesthetic experience.

Chinar stands out for its innovative use of materials and technology. Special smoked bamboo parquet and carpet evoke the bark of the Chinar tree mixed with dragon flames. The green leather on the furniture is textured like tree bark, while other pieces evoke dragon scales in red and gold. The interior lighting uses DMX protocol and custom algorithms, creating an immersive, theatrical environment.

The design also features a tea station with boiling water on tap, creating rising fog during operation. Two cocktail and sushi bars use low-resolution video screens to create abstract fire patterns. In the bamboo garden, a water feature contains gas burners for live fire effects, adding to the venue's unique ambiance.

Chinar offers 1400 SqM of internal and external space, including a restaurant, sushi bar, two cocktail bars, two private dining rooms, a shisha garden, an open wine cellar, and a show kitchen. The wine cellar and kitchen have been designed to be completely transparent, forming the backdrop to a sophisticated lighting scenography and staff choreography.

The project, located in the city centre of Baku, Azerbaijan, took 6 months to design and 12 months to build. The design's aim was to preserve and elevate the heritage of a local tea house that had been part of the local social life for over 60 years. The result is a modern tea house that offers several bars and pan-Asian dining options, providing a new and modern dining destination that is commercially successful and culturally significant.

Chinar is a testament to Chebaane's creative prowess and his ability to transform a traditional concept into a modern, award-winning design. It's a celebration of the ancient Silk Road, bringing its myths and legends to life in a contemporary setting.