NEWH - Summer 2018 - 56

PROJECT | NANDO'S PERI-PERI MICHIGAN AVENUE

Hot Stuff
Aria Group mixes pattern, texture, and bright hues in Nando's flagship Chicago location
By Alia Akkam
Photography by Emilia Czader
Flame-grilled chicken, marinated in fiery peri-peri sauce, is the
star of Nando's. This casual dining chain celebrating the African
Bird's Eye chili pepper native to Mozambique first made its debut
in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1987. Today there are locations all
over the globe, including in Chicago, where Oak Park, Illinois-based
Aria Group Architects was tasked with designing the city's flagship,
bi-level eatery on Michigan Avenue.
To showcase South African culture, associate and project
designer Megan Walsh says the team made "a visual statement"
by mixing bold hues such as green, yellow, and orange with vibrant
patterns on the floor, ceiling, and walls. Glazed tiles adorning

the beverage counter and custom fabrics dressing booths and
banquettes, for example, interact with each other to conjure a
feeling that reflects Nando's roots, adds Walsh.
"We used a large amount of wood in elements throughout to
bring in warmth and textures to a space that was originally mostly
concrete," she explains, noting how these exposed structures were
maintained in the new design scheme for "a striking juxtaposition
of styles."
One-of-a-kind pieces by South African artists are hand-picked
for each Nando's location, and at this one, Walsh points out that
abstract and monochromatic works-like that of a woman's face
depicted in black and white gracing a large concrete column-
were carefully selected to complement the design aesthetic.
"Bringing the soul of the interior design out onto the façade" was
a priority for Aria Group, says Walsh. To accomplish this, another
patterned wall was erected for the outdoor patio, and glimpses
of the dining room's large-scale black-and-white ceiling can "be
appreciated when walking down Michigan Avenue."
Most dramatically is the 21-foot-tall art installation comprising
6,800 upcycled aluminum cans acquired from Two Brothers
Brewing Company in nearby Warrenville. It doubles as a
showstopper light fixture, "emerging from the screen as it starts
approaching the second level," says Walsh. For this "CanBeam
Chandelier" by artist Tulsha Booysen-a finalist for Nando's
Hot Young Designer contest-Walsh says that "each can was
powdercoated, perforated, and threaded by hand to create the
color-blocking effect you now see as you drive down one of
Chicago's most touristic streets."

Left: A vibrant 21-foot-tall installation by South African artist Tulsha
Booysen-an interpretation of traditional African beadwork-is made from
6,800 upcycled aluminum beer cans.
Opposite page: Nando's bright hues in furniture, fabrics, and patterns
juxtapose black-and-white-patterned accents, giving life to the formerly
exposed-concrete structure.

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