As designers we tend to go a little
crazy, it’s a part of what we do. We get so involved in something that we
forget to look at what we are doing from another perthspective which makes us
do some weird stuff. This week is dedicated to the weird, the wonderful and the
downright crazy. So buckle up and get ready for
a wacky ride.
Our little city has started picking up it's game in the Foodie scene. We've started to see some really interesting interiors coming out of this little boom. If we keep this up we might start seeing restaurants open past 10pm on a given night. There are lots of amazing places and this list is just some of the cool locations but here is 8 of our favourite interiors in Perth at the moment.
#8 Slurp Soup
Perth
Although confined to a small space this interior is larger than life. The Diagonal checker tile pattern circulating around the interior reinvents the classic detail.
#7 Greenhouse
Perth
A pot plant cladded cube restaurant. A hipsters twist on sustainable design. Serving deliciously simple food and creative drink options.
#6 Nandos
Carousel
A surprising one but the new fit out at carousel is definelty one of nandos most creative interiors. The acoustic wooden panelling climbing the walls and ceiling creates a warmly atmosphere.
#5 Young George
East Fremantle
The Young George is designed by Fremantle firm Design Theory and is one of Jordan's favourite places to eat. Inspired by the heritage building, there are a lot of interesting reclaimed elements and it creates a lively yet intimate interior. And as a plus they have some of the most amazing food.
#4 Nobu
Crown Casino
Nobu is the definition of fine dining. Jordan and her Partner go there once a year and it has never disappointed. Not only is it beautiful with the hand-blown glass balls hanging in the middle, but it is very well designed in terms of acoustics. Every time you go it will be packed but not matter where you sit you'll still be able to comfortable have a conversation. Did we mention the food is phenomenal?
#3 Lucky Chans Laundry and Noodle Bar
Northbridge
This list would be incomplete without the great Lucky Chans! Such an interesting play on the laundromat, with you entering through a fake washing machine, the three story hipster palace is adorned with ironing boards and washing baskets as well as giant washing-machine robot paintings. The atmosphere is great and so is the food.
#2 Bambamboo
Perth
This is another one designed by Design Theory, it is a casual restaurant located within the new globe lane's food hub and is one of Darcy's favourite places!
#1 Bread in Common
Fremantle
It wasn't hard to decide on out favourite, we love Bread in Common. That circle of exposed brick just gets me. The conceptual approach to the re-invention of the warehouse was to treat the existing structure and its history of change as honestly and simply as baking bread. Designed By SpaceAgency. The food isn't always consistently amazing, but we have had some of the best food we've ever eaten here and you can never go wrong with the fresh bread dipped in oil.
I am seeing green in Perth today, in fact I've been seeing it for the past 5 years now and I have no idea what it is. I’m not talking about gardens, plants and environmental design, I am talking about an unusual site in the heart of Perth’s CBD at Forrest Place.
After seeing it for so long I thought it was finally time to find out what on “Perth” it is and what it all means. So lets get into it.
Lets get the shocking part out the way. ITS NOT A CACTUS… I know, shocking. It is in fact a Biomorph. Yep, not a cactus. Will I stop calling it the green cactus. NO.
It was named the Biomorph by Perth artist James Angus, the designer behind this very intriguing sculpture for Perth. However when handing the sculpture over to the West Australian governments department of culture and the Arts he decided to name the piece “Grow your Own”, which it certainly did as it is grew its own name “The Green Cactus”.
The reason for this sculptures existence is because it was the winning entrant of an international sculpture competition held by the department of Culture and the Arts, which called for all creatives around the world to propose a $1,000,000 design for an abstract sculpture. Yes you heard right a whopping one million dollars.
Now that we know what it is lets discuss whats so good about it shall we.
Many sculptures around Perth before 2012 were mainly copper and bronze statues and this sculpture introduced some vivid colour into the cities urban landscape giving Perth a young playful personality. At the time it was very controversial, many did not like it since it stood out like a sore thumb (that touched a cactus) however this made it a perfect landmark for people to meet at. “Let’s meet at the green cactus” is definitely in my vocabulary.
With everything good there is always something bad.
The Green Cacti’s cost was definitely its worst factor. It was very controversial during 2012 as it was seen to come from the tax payers dollars and its value to Perth was heavily questionable. However as the years went on the character it has given to Perth’s Forrest Place was worth it and the time saved for many to organise where to meet is a huge bonus.
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| James Angus |
With anything art related its bound to cause a debate or critique and The Green Cactus was no exception. Its main concerns were that of its cost and its juxtaposition with its surrounding buildings. It was bold and did not blend in with its surrounds at all. As a designer standing out is what you want as that is what gets you noticed. This exposure allowed James Angus to further his career as a sculptor in New York. What a success i’ll say.
From my Design Perthspective “The Green Cactus” is a clear winner in my eyes.
But we want to know your Perthspective on it ?
Tell us in the comments section below your perthspective on the “The Green Cactus”.
Darcy Miller @ DesignPerthspective.
