The new confectionery in Odesa, designed by JK Lab Architects, is located in a scenic coastal area on a hill, occupying the site of a previously old and dilapidated structure. Built on an intimate residential scale, the architecture seamlessly integrates into its landscape while maximizing the dramatic, panoramic views of the Black Sea.
This distinctive building marks the third venue within the newly updated design network of the famous local confectionery brand, "Bize." The pastry shops of this network have earned a strong reputation throughout the region for the exceptional quality of their artisan pastries and handmade chocolate products. This specific culinary mastery became the driving force behind the architectural concept.
According to Janna Kiseleva, the founder and CEO of JK Lab Architects, the architecture itself is a literal and structural metaphor for chocolate: "It was chocolate that inspired our studio to create a building of this specific shape. Its broken, geometric edges replicate the sharp lines of a solid, monolithic piece of chocolate freshly chopped with a knife."
The dramatic black facade is constructed using advanced, modern exterior materials. To enhance the building's presence, the envelope is punctured with custom illumination holes. These micro-apertures mimic the natural pores found in chocolate, transforming the building's appearance at night into a glowing landmark. This strategic lighting design ensures that the building captures the attention of passersby during both day and night hours.
The internal programming is divided into functional, experience-driven zones. The first floor hosts the primary confectionery shop, where visitors can purchase premium croissants, cakes, and handmade chocolates. The second floor is dedicated to a museum of modern confectionery art, serving as a cultural point of attraction for both local Odessa residents and international tourists.
In contrast to the dark, angular exterior, the interior spaces utilize white bionic elements that resemble soft white nougat. These are paired with rich brass details that reference the golden foil of classic chocolate packaging, adding an element of jewelry-like grace and sophistication to the space.
2018
2018
Project: Bize Confectionery
Location: Odesa, Ukraine
Architect: JK Lab Architects
Founder & Creative Director: Janna Kiseleva
Building Function: Confectionery Shop & Cafe
Floors: 2
Facade: Black modern exterior cladding with integrated lighting apertures
Interior: White bionic elements, brass detailing
Concept: Architecture inspired by the geometry and texture of chocolate
Janna Kiseleva, Oleksandra Burovytskaya, Victoriya Lavrova, Yuriy sytnik, Sergey Baerzdorf
Photo Ivan Tsupka & Nataliya Nagornaya
Ivan Tsupka Nataliya Nagornaya
