Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.
Ya Vsesvit’s monochrome co-working space in Kiev – All photos: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

Interior design – Kiev based architecture firm Yakusha Design has completed the interiors of Ya Vsesvit, a 180 sqm monochrome co-working space for millennials and all kind of design minded communities. Conceived as a single “organism” the venues is based on the contrast of textures and unexpected combination of materials, all coming in shades of gray.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

Just as the universe combines different star systems, the interior of Ya Vsesvit – ‘I am universe’ in Ukrainian – consists of many polar elements. “I took inspiration in my cultural roots and historical background, when people lived in harmony with nature, they knew how to keep balance between inner and outer world.” Explains architect and interior designer Victoriya Yakusha.

The choice of a monochrome design was dictated by a complex task of this project. “We had to combine different business teams under one roof. When you have a lot of built-in functions and interior elements, a monochromatic palette is the best option to make it all work together as one system – just like a Universe.”

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

Guests are welcome by two gigantic 120-150 years old wooden mortars acquired in the vintage market. Next to them, a set of floor vases made of burnt wood recall folk Ukrainian musical instrument.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

Inside, an authentic clay plaster, recreated with the local craft technique, frames futuristic cold coating of stainless steel and silver foil-fabric on poufs. “An accurate symmetry of black bricks is settled next to a natural imperfection of the rough stone”.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

In the central space a cave-style meeting room hosts a massive table made from a single piece of sandstone, the geometry and natural form of which were preserved untouched. The coarseness of the stone is softened by the delicate tectonics of the brickwork behind – one of the most complex elements of the interior.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

The co-working area is divided into sections using glass partitions that don`t interfere with the free flow of the sunlight. Unlike in regular office spaces, where all the folders and papers are stored under the table, the room features low metal shelves, suspended over a large table-transformer. Storage rooms, cabinets for equipment and working materials, are built-in and hidden from the eyes of the visitors.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

The lecture hall is equipped with a large screen, although if necessary the floor can also play the role of a screen, broadcasting architectural projects with the smallest details. Custom-made sculptured chairs are designed in sustainable materials such as straw, linen, cotton, biopolymer. Heavy grey curtains add some softness to the interior, diluting the black and white color scheme.

  • Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.
  • Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

The kitchen and  bathrooms continue the same minimalist imprint, where all the functional elements – storage, refrigerator, sink, sideboard – are built-in and hidden. The cleanliness of lines and conciseness of the interior are observed in every room and detail.

Ya Vsesvit's monochrome co-working space in Kiev - Photo: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.

All photos: courtesy of Ya Vsesvit.