Origins of Zen philosophy is based on the meditation school Dhyana founded in the 1st Century. Zen, an enlightenment philosophy of life, simply means "meditative state" and its core teaching is to experience the journey in search of dynamic stillness in the mind. Named after the priests who followed this discipline, the English equivalent of the restaurant, named "monk", is a mix of contemporary Japanese and Asian cuisines.
In the project, in which layers are created with a couple of materials, direct references are made to the values of simplicity, naturalness and calmness of the Zen philosophy. The main lines and hidden details of the design, which focuses on natural material selections, were inspired by the scalloped and linear structure of the Zen gardens, which is one of the reflections of the philosophy.
The pattern, designed by the studio specifically for Monk, inspired by the Zen gardens and Sakura branches, is featured in different forms and colors at the key points of the project. The pattern covering the amorphous corridor in rusty red tones in the entrance area, which is positioned to create a sculptural and mystical feel, is also used in natural rock tones behind the metal grilles, one of the most important elements in the interior design, reminiscent of Japanese walls.
In the restaurant, where the experience of each area is specifically designed by creating different levels within the area, has a total capacity of 180 people with its sushi bar, general seating areas and terrace area. Monk's loose furnitures are also designed by Wangan specially for the project.