sibling architecture brings art deco influence into chinese bistro in melbourne

ricky and pinky’s is a chinese bistro restaurant located inside the builders arms hotel in melbourne, australia. the interior design by sibling architecture echoes the period of late 1970s, where an influx of cultural practices were absorbed by australia and emerged in food and design.

all images © christine francis

despite the restaurant being set in an australian pub, the execution of color, detail and material showcases a distinctive presence; all the while referencing the past faux-opulence of the suburban era. sinuous piping is one of the chinese motifs that is visible in sibling architecture’s design. the golden and blue piping wraps around the space to form mirrored lighting features, boundaries and is a reference to the patterns of shanghainese art-deco. the neutral surfaces are offset with the splashes of color that range from pastel to more vibrant hues.

the restaurant aims to reflect the multi-culturalism that has prevailed in the suburbs since the late 1970s

small details culminate to guide diners to see their food reflected into infinity, a nod to longevity in chinese culture. terrazzo lazy susans take central place at the table as a rotating device for family and friends to come together around food. these elements introduced to its melbourne context, bringing together sino-australian cultures.

elements such as lazy susans that is often seen in chinese restaurants

sinuous piping reconstructs the traditional chinese gateway to welcome the patron

varied seating is available

teal, green hues are introduced into the color scheme

the piping mimics the tendril-like patterns of shanghainese art-deco

the restaurant is located inside builders arms hotel in fitzroy

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