The inspiration for the Kitsunya project emerged in response to the challenges faced by the previous tenant, a nightclub struggling to survive amid curfews and societal shifts brought about by the ongoing occupation. Once a vibrant hub for youth, the space needed to adapt and pivot to a new reality that prioritized community and resilience. In close collaboration with a talented chef, the clients envisioned bringing their dream of an Asian bistro to life.
- Project Overview: Kitsunya is an Asian bistro designed by architect Nastia Mirzoyan, located in Kiev, Ukraine, covering an area of 56 m² and completed in 2024.
- Adaptation to Change: The Bistro was developed in response to the closure of a nightclub challenged by social changes caused by curfews and occupation, demonstrating flexibility in adapting to new community needs.
- Client Collaboration: Clients emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating a unique dining experience by collaborating with a chef to realize their vision of an Asian bistro.
- Budget Considerations: Working on a limited budget, the design team invested in high-quality furniture to enhance the bistro aesthetic while retaining existing features such as the bar.
- Modern and Minimalist Design: The design eschews traditional decor in favor of minimalist references to Asian culture, creating a vibrant and inviting space without heavy decorations.
- Versatile Layout: Welcoming morning, daytime and evening customers, the bistro features adaptable seating arrangements that cater to different dining needs throughout the day.
- Innovative Lighting Solutions: A layered lighting strategy transforms the atmosphere; bright, neutral lighting in the morning transforms into a warm, amber glow in the evening, enhancing the dining experience.
- Material Choices: Stainless steel is used as the main material to offset the weathered textures of the building, while plywood offers an affordable price for the table and benches. Stretched linen fabric adds a nice touch.
- Custom Furniture: Much of the furniture, including bar tables, stools and unique lighting fixtures, is custom-made, and the only purchased item, the striking blue X-Line Chairs, adds bold accents.
- Playful Restroom Design: The restroom and hallway feature creative design elements, including construction foil-covered walls that reflect light and add texture, ensuring that even secondary spaces are engaging.
- A Symbol of Resilience: Kitsunya stands as a symbol of adaptation and hope, reflecting Kiev’s evolving culinary landscape and society’s desire for spaces that encourage social interaction and connection.
- Cultural Significance: Blending contemporary design with subtle Asian cultural references, Kitsunya offers a unique dining experience that resonates with the community and emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity in hospitality.
Faced with a limited budget, the design team made strategic decisions to retain existing features such as the bar, while investing in high-quality furnishings that emphasize the bistro’s modern aesthetic. The primary challenge was to create a lively and inviting bistro atmosphere without relying on heavy decoration. Instead, the focus was on blending subtle references to Asian culture with contemporary design trends, resulting in a space that feels both familiar and fresh.
Style and Specifications
Kitsunya was designed to cater to a variety of customers throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner customers. This necessity called for a versatile layout that could seamlessly adapt to different dining experiences. The design deliberately avoids traditional or overly decorative elements, instead opting for minimalist references that evoke Asian culture.
Key Design Features
- Bar Seating: The bistro features a typical Asian-style bar seating reminiscent of ramen shops, encouraging casual dining and social interaction.
- Dining Layout: Standard dining seating is arranged in the main area, encouraging a flexible environment that can accommodate a variety of group sizes while maintaining a modern and clean aesthetic.
Lighting
Lighting is a fundamental element of bistro design and plays a crucial role in transforming the space throughout the day. The lighting strategy includes multiple layers of lighting to create different atmospheres:
- Morning Lighting: Bright, neutral lighting is used in the morning to enliven the space and enhance the dining experience.
- Evening Ambience: As the day progresses, the lighting changes to a warmer, amber glow, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for evening customers.
Lighting installation features:
- Ceiling lights
- Wall sconces
- Linear accent lighting
- Localized task lights
- Floor lamps
Custom-made stainless steel pendant lamps and bar consoles with integrated lighting create a harmonious design element while providing functionality. Inspired by the “office for ordinary objects” concept, a soft textile hanging over the bar offers a unique touch, while experimental floor lamps made from recycled materials offer a creative flair.
Materials and Rationale
Both aesthetic and practical considerations were taken into account when choosing the material for Kitsunya. Stainless steel emerged as the primary material due to its sleek appearance and durability. This choice is in keeping with the existing weathered textures of the building, where the yellow and sand-colored bricks reveal years of wear and tear. The contrast between the clean lines of the stainless steel and the rustic features of the building helps to balance and control the visual chaos inherent in the space.
Additional Material Options
- Plywood: The plywood chosen for the table and benches was chosen for its affordability and suitability to the needs of the project, providing a warm and approachable feel.
- Linen Fabric: Layers of stretched linen fabric in the entrance and bar area add a warm atmosphere reminiscent of traditional ramen shops. In summer, the fabric gently moves with the breeze coming through the open doors, enhancing the dynamic visual experience.
- Accent Chairs: The bold blue X-Line Chairs add vibrant color accents to an otherwise neutral palette, creating visual interest and inviting customers to sit and enjoy their meal.
Unique Accents
An important aspect of Kitsunya’s design is the custom-made furniture, which includes
- Bar tables
- Bar stools
- Dining tables
- Metal stools
- A bank
- Various lighting fixtures
The only items purchased are the striking blue X-Line Chairs, which add to the overall design harmony. The design team also created custom stainless steel pendant lights and bar tables with integrated lighting, adding to the distinctiveness of the space.
Restroom and Corridor Design
The designers aimed to create a fun and bold environment by using affordable materials in the restroom and the hallway leading to it. The walls are covered in construction foil, which reflects light beautifully and adds an interesting texture that contrasts with the rest of the bistro. This innovative approach ensures that even the less prominent areas of the space are engaging and thoughtfully designed.
Kitsunya stands as a testament to the flexibility and creativity of its designers and clients, successfully combining modern design with subtle cultural references. By prioritizing functionality, aesthetic appeal and the needs of different clientele, Nastia Mirzoyan has crafted a vibrant bistro that not only satisfies the culinary desires of Kiev residents, but also reflects the city’s evolving landscape.
Careful selection of materials, innovative lighting solutions and custom furniture designs contribute to an inviting atmosphere that encourages community engagement and social interaction. Kitsunya makes a significant contribution to Kiev’s culinary scene, not only as a place to eat, but also as a symbol of hope and adaptation to a changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kitsunya?
Kitsunya is an Asian bistro located in Kiev, Ukraine and designed by architect Nastia Mirzoyan. The bistro covers 56 m² and offers a modern dining experience with subtle references to Asian culture.
What led to the opening of Kitsunya?
The project started after the previous tenant, a nightclub, was struggling to survive due to social changes caused by curfews and occupation. The clients aimed to transform the space into a vibrant bistro that would serve the community.
What are the main design features of Kitsunya?
The bistro has a minimalist design that avoids traditional ornaments. The key elements are:
- An Asian-style bar seating reminiscent of ramen shops.
- Versatile dining seating that accommodates a variety of group sizes.
- The focus is on creating a modern and clean aesthetic.
What role does lighting play in the bistro?
Lighting is crucial in transforming the atmosphere throughout the day. The setup includes:
- Bright, neutral lighting in the morning.
- A warmer, amber glow in the evening to create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Multiple layers of lighting, including ceiling lights, wall sconces and custom-made pendant lights.
What materials were used in the design?
The main materials are as follows:
- Stainless Steel: Selected for its sleek look and durability, offsetting the weathered textures of the building.
- Plywood: Used for tables and benches, chosen for affordability.
- Linen Fabric: Interspersed throughout the entrance and bar area, adding a nice touch and movement when the doors open.
Which unique furniture elements stand out?
Most of the furniture is custom-made, including
- Bar tables and stools
- Dining tables
- Metal stools
- Unique lighting fixtures
The only item purchased is the dark blue X-Line Chairs, which add a vibrant color to the space.
How does the restroom design reflect the overall theme?
The toilet and hallway incorporate playful design elements using affordable materials. The walls are covered with construction foil, which reflects light beautifully and adds an interesting texture, making even secondary spaces interesting.
Why is kitsunya important?
Kitsunya symbolizes resilience and adaptation in the face of social change. It reflects Kiev’s evolving culinary landscape and serves as a meeting place that fosters community and connections.
What are your thoughts on Kitsunya?
Kitsunya is a striking example of modern hospitality design that effectively combines functionality with cultural references. The thoughtful approach to materials, lighting and layout creates an inviting atmosphere for customers. What are your impressions of this bistro? Do you believe it successfully captures the essence and vibrancy of the community? Share your thoughts with us!
Architect: Nastia Mirzoyan
Architectural Style: Modern Minimalism with Asian Cultural References
Year: 2024-?
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
