aaark | Cafe
Cafe | 115 sq.m.
Architects: Viktor Aurov, Ekaterina Legostaeva, Maria Soboleva, Natalia Melyoshkina, Polina Dyachenko, Alena Minaeva, Tatyana Kurochkina
Photo: Varvara Toplennikova
The architectural studio KIDZ designed the interior for Max Knyazyan’s flagship venue of aaark cafe. Inspired by Italy, the project blends contemporary minimalism with vintage elements and culinary accents.
moodboard
The central concept of the space revolves around the image of focaccia, which is reflected in the division of the interior into three key parts: “crumb,” “crust,” and “tomatoes.”
plan
The “crumb” represents the light area of the interior, where textured plaster and light wood create an airy and delicate atmosphere.
The “crust” is conveyed through dark veneered panels with unique textures, tinted in various shades symbolizing the degree of focaccia’s “baking.”
Completing the composition are the “tomatoes”—glossy accents that add juiciness and vibrancy to the entire space.
Every detail of the interior is thoughtfully designed, referencing mid-20th century Italy: from the chairs and tables to the lighting fixtures and lightbox designs. The visual division of the space into light and dark zones is emphasized by the use of different materials. In the light zone, textured plaster, light veneer, and cream-colored tiles create a cozy and intimate feel. Rounded columns and the focus on arched windows enhance this impression.
In the dark zone, the furniture and panels are crafted from complex veneers, tinted in several shades. The seams between the panels are painted red, adding playfulness and conceptual depth to the space, evoking the effect of tomato juice seeping from cracks in baked focaccia.
axonometry
The centerpiece of the composition is a glossy scarlet table located in the center of the hall, symbolizing a juicy tomato and drawing attention with its vibrant color and texture.
One of the significant design choices is the flooring layout. A simple yet original pattern is created using tiles, cut and laid by hand, highlighting the uniqueness of the composition.
The selection of veneer for the dark panels also presented a challenge, but the results exceeded expectations. The remarkable texture of the material required numerous trials and errors to achieve the desired tone and finish quality.
↓ process
↓ project team
