Tatar Restaurant
2024
The primary manifestation of identity lies not in visual images, but in spirit, culture, and way of life. This conditions the emergence of architectural elements in zoning, which later become toponyms. The guest immerses themselves in the space of the Tatar world, experiencing it on a sensory level. One of the theses is the sense of national community, what is called "millät" — a tender attitude towards the integrity of culture. In response to this thesis, a toponym of the space emerges — the common table. The common table in a family gathering is a clear and familiar image, within which its own rituals are present and each family creates and adapts them, as happens in the restaurant "Tatar", for example, the passing of a dish with bread. Thanks to architectural solutions in the restaurant, the guest is immersed in the foundations of culture. It is this immersion in experience that becomes the key conceptual value. The next important thesis is the sense of home. Home as a concept of deep rootedness within culture, as a space of connection between generations, transmitting the significance and depth of respect for the lineage. Thus, the toponym "topchan" emerges. Its visual and functional components tell about the Tatars' relationship with home. Conversations between neighbors, watching children, and joint activities take place in the space between houses. The space between houses constitutes the street, and a distinct image within the street, where contacts intersect — a bench. Thus, another toponym emerges, which encompasses elements of culture: music, craftsmanship, everyday life, interacting with the guest. However, culture conveys not only a sense of community but also the significance of space for reflection and creation. Within solitude and isolation, the feeling of Spirit manifests. Creating a promenade space by the windows reproduces the possibility of creative existence. At the end of the promenade is the toponym "mirror," serving as a portal to the endless movement of humanity and culture. Such diversity is a testament to historical events, interventions, and expansions. Yet through it, freedom manifests—an openness to the new.
The space consists of fragments. The fragments refer us to specific key moments of architecture. Examples of such fragments include the octagonal column from Bolgar or chests that were found in every home. The fragments are stylistically reworked into the language of modern space. Other fragments are arranged in verbal, visual, and sensory narratives—scents of apple trees and thyme in different zones, sounds, and music. Or the greeting "sәләм" above each door, as if we are coming home.
Authors: Mikheil Mikadze, Sofya Balykina, Zulfia Kamalova, Anna Utts, Lidia Sergeeva, Valeria Glebova