Let us embrace a philosophy of life that returns to the essence
Yuan Lee , co-founder of Pharos Coffee.
Light and Memory: Proustian Illumination
“And suddenly the memory revealed itself. The taste was that of the petite madeleine which…my aunt Leonie used to offer me, dipping it first into her own cup of tea or tisane." - Marcel Proust, "In Search of Lost Time.”
Venturing into the residence of Yuan Lee in Xindian, one can discern that every essential item for living is meticulously selected and positioned in the right places, devoid of superfluous embellishments. Instead, there is a generous use of whitespace, allowing the space to breathe, with light taking on the role of the protagonist, stirring deeper memories within each visitor's soul. On the day of the interview, it was a drizzly afternoon with intermittent rain. As natural light, indoor illumination, and the hues of the wall paint harmonized, light seemed to thicken, and in this almost fleeting process, one could almost perceive the flow of light in the air, awakening memories and transporting you back to a specific time and space.
Adjacent to us, Lee Yuan was meticulously hand-brewing his own coffee. The interplay of light and the aroma of coffee brought to mind the leisurely stroll in the lanes of Shibuya, the corner café bathed in a similar, gentle light, evoking a sense of reassurance—an impression of light that Lee Yuan's home leaves upon us.
Light holds memories. Utilizing paper lanterns, Shibuki allows artificial light to diffuse through the intermediary of paper, creating a more natural and gentle luminosity. It's as if he brings a ray of sunlight or a celestial body into your home, extending the sensory experiences that have touched your soul in a certain time and space.
Light determines how you perceive a space.
"Light is a pristine element, its character influenced by the surroundings. One could say that light reveals the character of the objects around it. Engaged in the field of spatial design for an extended period, for Yuan Lee , the perception of light to some extent determines the atmosphere of a space. Therefore, with any adjustment or change, one can immediately sense the difference.
“Sometimes, upon entering a space, one might feel something peculiar. Whenever I cannot quite put my finger on it, it usually turns out to be an issue with the light. Perhaps the place that should be quiet is too bright (usually too bright), or the lighting is excessively direct and bare.'"
In 2013, KIMU presented the "The New Old Light” series for the first time, interpreting the electrification of traditional paper lanterns as a transition across different times and spaces. This injects cultural essence into differences, endowing old objects with new souls, and creating a more diverse appearance for spaces. Among them, the one affectionately dubbed by Yuan Lee as the 'big, chubby floor lamp' is his favorite piece. "Its size is intriguingly large, breaking free from my preconceptions of lighting. It resembles more of a luminous installation or sculpture. Lanterns not only give light a tangible form but also endow it with texture, creating a warm and layered glow."
The fewer boundaries, the more imagination flourishes.
The hazy and indistinct shapes and edges in space have always captivated KIMU's gaze. Taking light as a starting point, we capture the nuances through delicate lighting fixtures, presenting the layers of light in space. This time, we introduce the all-new Rice Ball series, drawing inspiration from the familiar Taiwanese street snack. We attempt to integrate light and olfactory imagery, marking the first step in KIMU's exploration of "scents" in the future.
As a passionate coffee aficionado, Yuan Lee naturally holds distinct views on fragrances. Unlike light, Yuan Lee believes that "scents have no boundaries. Unlike light, which can be more delicately controlled in space with different containers." Close to nature, devoid of excessive sweetness, scents like moss, rainforest, and ferns often pique his interest. "Excessively fragrant and intense scents can sometimes become a distracting signal."
Yuan Lee laughs, mentioning that although he occasionally buys candles and perfumes, he doesn't use them often. Instead, he says, "It's very likely because of the naming or design that I make the purchase." This also reflects Yuan Lee 's mutual appreciation for the design profession, supporting excellent designs that evoke a palpable sense of excitement through action alone.
To truly grasp a profound sense, one must return to the essence.
"Style and lifestyle attitude are not the focal points Pharos wishes to discuss." A discerning and non-attached attitude towards lifestyle objects, faithful to taste, similarly reflects Lee Yuan's desire to convey the brand's core philosophy. For Yuan Lee , elements like space and visuals serve as mediums to guide consumers to focus on the flavor experience itself. How to get close to the essence of coffee, returning to the "flavor" itself, is what Pharos values most.
"If we deconstruct the word 'taste,' it's essentially savoring flavor. It's about discovering the differences between the two through the senses, thereby forming subjective judgments of quality and preferences. This is a process that requires practice and continuity, whether it's coffee, wine, cuisine, clothing, or the discernment of art. Through various coffees from different regions and processing methods, Pharos invites you to explore and profoundly experience and enjoy these diverse flavors.
Discussing future plans, the initial establishment of Pharos with roasting expert and friend Ryan aimed to bring the brand's flavors to Taiwan. The Tokyo store, delayed by the pandemic for two years, is expected to open this year for a fresh start. "In the future, Pharos will continue to present different flavors of coffee, inviting everyone to explore together. If you have the chance, come to the Tokyo store for a cup of coffee."
Text｜KIMU design
Photography｜Zih-Sin, Jian
