“KAFE 2•8•8” is a place of power in the center of Moscow.
An atmospheric restaurant KAFE 2•8•8 designed by MEGRE INTERIORS has opened in the center of Moscow.
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KAFE 288
Restaurant Interior Built
Firm
MEGRE INTERIORS
Designer
MEGRE INTERIORS
Design Team
MEGRE INTERIORS
Location
Russia, Moscow, 1st Krasnogvardeisky ave., 22, p. 2 (Neva Towers Gallery, floor 2)
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
MEGRE INTERIORS
Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Neva Towers multifunctional complex in Moscow City.
Everything in our world is energy, perpetual motion and transformation – places, food, people.
It is this unity that the KAFE 2•8•8 project, created by Mikhail Grigoriev and his team, is about.
“According to numerology and a number of philosophies, the meaning of the combination of numbers 2 • 8 • 8 says that if some door once closed for you and you have failed, then you should never be despairate and stop. It is necessary to keep moving forward and then other doors will open, you will see new horizons and opportunities. All life is a continuous movement forwar” – Mikhail Grigoriev.
To implement this deep vision, Mikhail invited Yuna Megre and her team MEGRE INTERIORS to do so. From the very first meeting it was clear that the partners speak the same language. Every day the ideas has been becoming more drastic, and the project got more profound. The space, with its large-scale panoramic windows and seven-meter ceilings, with impressive proportions, filled with light and air, required an equally ambitious idea and thinking.
The result was a Feng Shui space dedicated to the five elements that hides many symbols and energies. All five elements – water, earth, air, fire and ether are present in the space of “KAFE 2•8•8”. In the perception of the project, the authors involve all six senses – smell, taste, hearing, sight, touch and intuition, so that attendance becomes a holistic immersive experience for guests. The goal of the project is to create a space that brings people together, gives delicious food for their body, warmth to their soul and satisfies the curiosity of their mind.
Ether or ethereum, through the centuries, existed in the symbolism of all philosophies and religions. This is the most subtle energy that is timeless, fills and unites everything that exists, connects the entire molecular world. It is through her that transformation and evolution takes place. It was the art object dedicated to this energy that became the central element of KAFE 2•8•8.
It was thoroughly created by Yuna Megre and her team for six months. More than eight meters in diameter and over six meters in height. This light vortex consists of hundreds of glass spheres of different colors and textures, representing the planets of solar systems. The shaping element of the installation is a fiber optic cable. In ancient Russian culture, the braid has a deep symbolism: the process of braiding is a protection of one’s own energy and protects from negative external forces.
The grand design of Ethereum twists the space in a spiral, gives it dynamics and a central focus. The overall spiraling movement highlighted by concentric circles on the floor and placement of furniture that creates cozy spaces for small groups. In two halls of the restaurant, various seating scenarios are provided, where each guest will find their place.
The interior is based on futuristic forms, combined with traditional natural soft colors and textures. What makes the place warm and cozy, despite its enormity. Geometrically patterned combinations of materials, colors and textures bringing out their semantic sense within the concept of the project and the philosophy of Feng Shui.
The interior features repetitive rounded shapes reminiscent of the arched elements of cathedrals. In one of these elements, there is a secluded dining table, crowned with a lamp in the form of a calla flower. Especially for this project, it was created by artist Ulyana Khokhlova. It was made from recycled cardboard.
Calla flowers are unique creations of nature, symbolizing admiration, beauty and adoration.
The epitome of fire in the project is a unique seven-meter wood-burning oven, which cooks the thinnest and the most delicious pizza. Comfort, warmth and intimacy are created by natural materials of ocher, burgundy and golden tones.
The element of water is embodied in the second chamber hall of the restaurant. This glass-roofed room disposes to cozy evening talks and a more relaxed lounge atmosphere. An installation of crystal drops fills the entire roof and creates the effect of magical rain, descends to the epicenter of the hall with a round table. Art in paintings and prints, selected by Mikhail and Yuna, have a deep meaning in terms of symbolism and human relationships.
The prelude of this hall is a space with an unique textured wall panel made of metal sheets. If necessary, these two spaces can be separated by heavy velvet curtains. “KAFE 2•8•8” – consists of two halls, two moods, two different energies of space, large and noisy, chamber and cozy. Every guest here will find their place. Every guest here will find their own dish. Every guest here will find their people. This place is created with awe and love for you.