IDEOLOGIST LLC: Winner of World Design Awards 2024. In the spirit of the Japanese concept “Ichi-Go Ichi-E,” which emphasizes the uniqueness of each moment and encounter, the Ichi-Go Ichi-E Restaurant & Bar in Russia’s city of Kazan aims to turn every visit into an exceptional, singular experience. The design of this pan-Asian cuisine destination takes inspiration from the rich tapestry of Asian cultures, articulated through a beautifully curated aesthetic that defies simple categorization into any single national style.

The Ichi-Go Ichi-E Restaurant & Bar is strategically located on Bauman Street, the main pan-Asian hub in Kazan, a city renowned as a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures. This juxtaposition forms a unique backdrop for the restaurant, nestled within the city’s vibrant bar and restaurant district. Within walking distance of the historic Kazan Kremlin, the venue offers a secluded retreat from the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape. As visitors transition from the noisy, bustling street into the dimly lit entrance, they embark on a journey that metaphorically transports them to the illuminated worlds of evening Tokyo and Hong Kong, creating a seamless blend between the surrounding landscape and the interior experience.

Creating a diverse yet coherent interior presented challenges, primarily around integrating Japanese-inspired elements without resorting to cliché. Ensuring visibility of the open kitchen from various seating while maintaining privacy and comfort required careful spatial planning. The absence of conventional lighting demanded innovative light scenarios to enhance the evening-only dining atmosphere.

The result is a harmonious blend of Asian motifs and Zen philosophy without overt national symbols. Balanced color schemes, varied textures, and thoughtful material selection achieve a serene yet dynamic environment. The addition of a central multimedia column and strategically illuminated zones create a captivating ambiance, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

The Ichi-Go Ichi-E Restaurant & Bar in Kazan embodies a commitment to sustainability through meticulously chosen strategies, materials, and technologies. The custom-made furniture, crafted by carpenters from St.Petersburg supports home-made Russian craftsmanship – a critical component of sustainable practice. The lighting scenario is designed to minimize energy consumption by eschewing conventional, broad-spectrum street and general illumination in favor of tailored light scenarios. The use of traditional Japanese washi paper is another nod to sustainability. This eco-friendly material, known for its durability and aesthetic versatility, is incorporated alongside innovative materials like concrete volume tiles and decorative plasters.

The use of traditional Japanese washi paper, alongside the innovative application of concrete volume tiles and a spectrum of decorative plasters, introduces a variety of textures and shades into the space. From cold to warm tones, and from geometric to natural reliefs, these materials work together to create a richly layered and engaging environment. The inclusion of concrete stepstones with rounded pebble accents on the floor complements the overall aesthetic, bridging the gap between urban sophistication and the understated beauty of nature.

Ichi-Go Ichi-E Restaurant & Bar stands as a testament to the philosophy of making each moment count, brought to life through a harmonious blend of architectural excellence, innovative design, and a deep respect for the cultural traditions that inspire its culinary journey. It invites guests to partake in a unique dining experience, one that promises to leave a lasting impression, echoing the essence of “Ichi-Go Ichi-E” with every visit.

Project Details:-
Firm
IDEOLOGIST LLC

Architect
Elizaveta Sakharova

Project Name
Restaurant and Bar Ichi-Go Ichi-E

Project Category
Hospitality Built

Team
Yusuke Takahashi, Alexei Yakovets, Stanislav Moskalenskiy

Project Location
Kazan

Country
Russia

Photography ©Credit
Dmitrii Tsyrenshchikov

IDEOLOGIST — a conceptual architecture and design bureau with close ties to Japanese architects, artists, and craftsmen.

We create architecture, public spaces, private interiors, and object design, all rooted in a specific idea.

All our projects are conceptual at their core. Thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of our work and our multicultural team, IDEOLOGIST takes on the most complex projects that require fundamentally new solutions — from creating spaces of specific typologies to using unique handmade materials.

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