Located within the hotel cum art gallery and foodie destination, BURSA hotel, the recently completed and aptly named ‘Bursa Bar’ is a small and intimate space where guests can listen to music and sip on cocktails.
Set to become a favourite among Kyiv‘s creative scenesters, the bar was designed by Nastia Mirzoyan of interior design bureau Mirzoyan Studio; the 55 square metre space a reflection of contemporary Japanese culture immersed in the world of cocktails and music. Tasked with creating a “small, yet cosy music bar that would attract vinyl record enthusiasts and live-set lovers every weekend, becoming a hub for musicians and vinyl collectors from around the world”, Nastia set upon designing a bar with simple and functional zoning while subtly implementing the features of Eastern style: orthogonal lines, clean shapes, horizontal orientation of objects, vertical rhythm of walls, and orthogonal ceiling.
The main material used is plywood, which serves as the basis for wall, ceiling, and furniture decoration, creating a unique atmosphere. Additionally, stainless steel is used for countertops in windows and chair legs. Lighting also plays a very important part in creating the ambience, the designer opting for accent lighting for the guest seating areas to create small bright spots, and using soft linear lighting to emphasise vinyl shelves and exquisite drinks.
As a music bar, attention was paid to acoustic design, the space home to two Devon Ojas speakers (whose custom sound systems are said to grace the homes of Mark Ronson, the late Virgil Abloh, Nigo, and many well-known record producers.) The idea of Mirzoyan was to create a space reminiscent of a musical instrument, where every visitor would feel like they’re inside a giant music speaker or guitar, surrounded by a cozy atmosphere of plywood. Due to the bar being located in a hotel, it was also paramount to ensure quality sound insulation for the hotel rooms located above.
With an overall industrial aesthetic softened by a dusty colour palette, Bursa Bar sees the seductive simplicity of Japan’s much-lauded listening bars recreated here in the Ukraine capital.
Bursa Bar Kyiv Photography, Yevhenii Avramenko.
