Architectural Cases

Unveiling the Essence of Architectural Thought

The "Eternal Structures" Collection: A Fusion of Art and Design

Designed by the multifaceted architect, designer, and artist Kfir Galatia Azulay, "Eternal Structures" represents a series of architectural artifacts meticulously sculpted from pristine white Carrara marble. This collection resides at the confluence of architecture, contemporary art, and exclusive design, delving into the profound question of how architectural reasoning can manifest independently of physical buildings, purely through shape, scale, and substance.

Distilling Architecture: Beyond Models and Sculptures

Far from being mere architectural models or conventional statues, these marble creations condense architecture into its core spatial attributes. They eschew direct references to existing edifices or specific locations, instead focusing on the interplay of volume and emptiness, rhythm, scale, and equilibrium. The arrangements evoke glimpses of fantastical metropolises or quintessential architectural archetypes, inviting viewers to engage with the works and formulate their own interpretations, unburdened by a predetermined narrative.

The Craft of Creation: Single Marble Blocks into Collectible Art

Each piece in the collection is meticulously carved from a single block of white Carrara marble, a material historically revered for its application in grand architecture and sculpture. In "Eternal Structures," Carrara marble is employed on a more intimate scale, infusing domestic environments with architectural nuances, rather than adorning monumental structures. The inherent natural veining of the stone ensures that every object possesses a distinct character, making each work a unique component within the ES1 – Eternal Structures series by designer Kfir Galatia Azulay.

Emphasizing Physical Presence: The Weight of Design

The substantial weight of the material is a defining feature of this series. In stark contrast to many contemporary objects engineered for lightness or transient utility, these marble forms assert a powerful physical presence through their density and mass. Their architectural essence is conveyed through their proportions, material qualities, and balance, rather than through decorative embellishments, thereby allowing each piece to establish a considered relationship with its surroundings.

A New Lexicon of Architectural Form: Abstract Objects for Diverse Spaces

Positioned uniquely between the realms of architecture, art, and collectible design, these works are conceived for a variety of settings, including residential interiors, corporate offices, art galleries, and private collections. Rather than dominating a space, they serve as architectural accents, introducing a subtle yet profound spatial presence through their dimensions, geometric precision, and material integrity.

The Evolution of Forms: Building a Broader Vocabulary

The ES1 collection signifies the genesis of an ongoing series, where each object embodies an individual architectural composition while simultaneously contributing to a richer, evolving lexicon of forms. Collectively, these works forge an abstract panorama of interconnections, reflecting Galatia Azulay's continuous exploration of architecture as a cultural expression that transcends the confines of buildings, extending into the domain of collectible objects and contemporary art.

Khalansky Architects has crafted Cafe Alma as an integral component of the Almaty Museum of Arts in Kazakhstan, establishing a vibrant connection between the museum's galleries and the surrounding urban landscape. This 104-square-meter cafe, developed for the abr hospitality group and completed in a swift 2.5-month timeframe, reimagines the museum's public domain as an inclusive, rather than exclusive, commercial space. Its design ethos reflects a seamless integration of cultural institution and everyday city dynamics, fostering a fluid transition between the exhibition areas, the cafe's interior, and its outdoor seating.

Drawing profound inspiration from Almaty's mid-century architectural heritage, the cafe's aesthetic is a testament to the clean lines, precise geometric forms, and structural simplicity characteristic of Soviet modernism and constructivism. The central feature is a bespoke curved open bar, meticulously constructed from steel, various metals, and natural wood veneer, which serves both as a functional service point and a striking architectural statement. The strategic placement and design of Cafe Alma allow it to function not merely as a culinary destination but as a natural extension of the visitor's journey, linking the cultural environment directly with the adjacent city thoroughfare.

Seamless Integration of Art and Urban Life

The innovative design of Cafe Alma by Khalansky Architects facilitates a harmonious interplay between the cultural activities of the Almaty Museum of Arts and the bustling rhythm of urban existence. By strategically positioning the cafe to bridge the gap between the museum's exhibition spaces and the vibrant city outside, the project effectively redefines the role of a museum cafe. It transforms from a conventional service point into a dynamic public space where cultural engagement naturally extends into daily life, offering visitors and city dwellers a unique environment that encourages interaction and appreciation of art and architecture in a casual setting.

This thoughtful integration is realized through a fluid layout that connects the museum's interior galleries with the cafe's contemporary space and its inviting outdoor terrace. This design philosophy blurs the boundaries between the various functions, inviting a continuous flow of movement and interaction. The cafe thus becomes a versatile hub, equally appealing as a distinct destination for relaxation and socializing, or as a seamless continuation of the museum experience, enriching the cultural fabric of Almaty and enhancing the overall visitor journey by making art and urban life converge effortlessly.

Aesthetic Echoes of Modernist Heritage

Cafe Alma's interior design pays homage to Almaty's rich mid-century architectural legacy, embodying principles of Soviet modernism and constructivism through its geometric precision, unadorned forms, and understated structural elegance. This conscious decision anchors the cafe firmly within the city's historical context, creating a space that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted. The material palette selection is crucial to this dialogue, deliberately chosen to resonate with the museum's modern architectural shell while asserting the cafe's unique identity with a blend of textures and reflective surfaces that invite sensory engagement.

The meticulous choice of Sapele wood veneer introduces a welcoming warmth and intricate textural rhythms, juxtaposed with the sleek, industrial allure of stainless steel and the refined character of terrazzo elements. This material dialogue is further enriched by a curated selection of artworks from Central Asian artists, extending the museum's artistic narrative directly into the cafe. The inclusion of indoor flora and iconic Marcel Breuer S 64 chairs not only adds layers of material and historical depth but also subtly weaves in elements of European modernist design, creating a rich tapestry where global and local architectural memories converge, offering a cultivated backdrop for dining and social interaction.