The Best Places in Vologda: A Stylish Coffee Shop and Bakery

Contents:

• Identity: Coziness, Aspirations, and the Legacy of Helmut Lang
• Room Design: Perforated Elements, Ball Games, and Light Accents for Lighting

There is a strong connection: Vologda is associated with lace and the tranquility of the Russian North. It is certainly a provincial city, a center of exquisite crafts, but it is not a stagnant museum of nostalgia. Here, as in other cities, you can meet passionate people who strive to create something original.

In 2025, in Vologda, after the launch of the first establishment in Cherepovets, the coffee shop "Prosvet" began its work. It features a contemporary identity designed by Öppen Studio and interiors by Kidz Architects, renowned for their impressive projects around the world. We reached out to the coffee shop's co-founder and designers to find out how the visual and conceptual solutions that make up Prosvet's unique look were developed.

Lead architect of Kidz

Creative director and founder of Öppen studio.

Co-founder of the organization "Prosvet".

Identity: Cosiness, Aspirations, and the Legacy of Helmut Lang

In the brand book, the Öppen team systematized important terms:

Light and coziness, traditional values, accessibility and restraint, emotional depth and lightness - all this creates an atmosphere of naturalness and warmth. Balance in everyday life, attention to local characteristics, lively energy, and subtle nuances form continuity and provide an opportunity to look at things from a new angle. Confidence, openness, rigor, and clarity, combined with maturity and courage, create space for contemplation. The flickering of ideas and movement fills every moment.

They act as anchors supporting the image and communications of Prosvet.

— How did you manage to get rid of the familiar image of "Vologda" "— lace"? What inspired the creation of this unique visual approach?

Anastasia Yakovleva noted that lace is present in the Prosvet brand not as a primary element, but rather as an inspiring motif embedded in its DNA.

It was crucial for us to maintain a connection to this recognizable local context while simultaneously exploring familiar meanings from a different perspective. We sensed this feeling—audacity, originality, and an unconventional approach that is rare in regional initiatives—during our first meeting with the coffee shop's co-founders, Valentina and Ilya.

The initial basis was the counter-form of the term "prosvet," denoting what appears between the letters. These rhythmic components became the basis for the creation of a new graphic language, which, while remaining in contact with the cultural heritage of the region, nevertheless acquires a modern and unique sound.

We were guided not only by The design was designed to reflect both local conditions and the broader context. We were inspired by architectural concepts from Japan, Asia, and Scandinavia, particularly in their interactions with light and space, reflecting a deep respect for silence and subtle detail. Visually, we drew ideas from contemporary projects in Seoul, Paris, and Copenhagen.

We sought to combine the clarity and rigor of the visual identity with an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, so that it did not give the impression of something cold or distant.

— Did we immediately come to the idea of ​​using counterform, or was it an accidental discovery?

Anastasia Yakovleva: This idea came about organically. The word "Prosvet" itself already carries a powerful image and numerous metaphors, so we sought not to complicate it, but rather to visually emphasize it. Thus, the concept of counterform arose - elements that become noticeable between the letters.

In this context, a connection with the concept arose - the slogan "I will say just two words: I will share with you about light."

— Later, the counterform evolved into a full-fledged system, including a dynamic logo representation, a colon element, and a pattern that the Kidz team masterfully integrated into the interior.

Thus, the identity began to develop independently and interact with visitors.

The moodboards for this project feature an interesting combination of Vologda aesthetics, featuring grandfathers on bicycles, and the style of Helmut Lang. What lies behind their harmony?

Anastasia Yakovleva: There's something quite natural about this context.

The warmth of Vologda, people, bicycles, and handicrafts are combined with Helmut Lang's minimalist austerity in our perception. It is in the place where sincere emotions and a functional approach are intertwined that harmony arises, which is understandable and close to us.

On closer inspection, one can see that Lang's DNA is intertwined with tradition and innovation - a combination of classical approaches and modern ideas about how to perceive and wear clothes. The brand has demonstrated its stability for over five decades, without changing its principles.

We assume that Prosvet may have a similar path—albeit in a different industry and context, but with the same attention to its origins and commitment to innovation.

— Why did you choose the condensed TT Commons font for the logo and a more sparse one for the texts to create the corporate identity? What mood do these fonts create?

Anastasia Yakovleva: We strove for a functional approach when choosing the font. Our task was to find a solution that would look equally effective in headlines, technical data, and on packaging—taking into account the upcoming expansion of the brand's product line. We were looking for a universal font that would be convenient for everyday use.

For the logo, we settled on a narrow interpretation of the TT Commons font, which gives it a sense of "air": it looks elongated, light, and neat. The main text is presented in a more sparse version, which helps maintain the lightness and rhythm of the layout design.

TT Commons is one of the most carefully designed Cyrillic fonts. It is distinguished by its clean and professional style, which makes it an excellent choice for solving branding tasks.

— What is the need for a carefully developed and detailed brand book for a coffee shop in the region? Why did you decide to create not just a logo but a full-fledged corporate identity?

Anastasia Yakovleva: Looking at the situation from the perspective of our design team, it's worth noting that Ilya and Valentina demonstrated a clear and ambitious vision from the very beginning. It was immediately apparent that their intention was to create a project that meets the highest standards, including architectural design, visual identity, and communication. This set the tone and standard for all our work.

When a project is meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail—from logo design to brand attributes and the overall atmosphere of the space—this quality becomes apparent at first glance. Visitors intuitively perceive this without the need for words. It is precisely this attention to detail that ultimately contributes not only to the formation of an impression but also to the development of the business itself.

"Prosvet" is not just a coffee shop and bakery, but a full-fledged brand with a unique character and great potential. It has every chance of expanding beyond its locale, becoming an attractive destination for people who might never visit Cherepovets or Vologda but learn about the project through social media. They will be drawn to the visual identity, concept, and approach, which will ultimately lead to a desire to try the product.

Valentina Efremova: We always perceive the creative space as a unified whole—regions and countries are irrelevant to us. All elements intertwine and synchronize, remaining true to their unique local traditions while transcending the traditional business model. When analyzing the market, we focus not only on our own segment but also on leading companies both in our country and abroad. Our travels help blur mental boundaries and expand perspectives.

We also needed to develop a strong and adaptable brand that would blend seamlessly into any environment. Prosvet draws inspiration from Vologda customs, but goes beyond them—it's a universal concept that reflects values ​​that resonate with everyone.

Room design: perforated elements, ball games, and light accents for lighting

— Have you ever synchronized your visual identity with the interior or, conversely, adapted the interior to your identity? Did the graphic designers work closely with the interior architects or did they work independently? Did you have to adapt identity elements to the actual space?

Anastasia Yakovleva: It's an unusual and very pleasant situation when everything went so naturally. We began collaborating with the architects almost simultaneously: although the Kidz team began working a little earlier, we met almost at the very earliest stages—during a presentation of the creative concept to the client.

From the very beginning, we strived to ensure that the identity not only existed within the interior space but also blended seamlessly into it, becoming an integral part of it. This is precisely what creates a sense of unity for the entire project.

The result was a perfect match: concepts, rhythms, and atmosphere — everything came together. The exchange of opinions took place freely, without unnecessary approvals, which made it possible to create a final space filled with organicity and lively branding, harmoniously integrated into the interior.

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Ekaterina Bologova: Our team is the first joined the project, which allowed us to set the initial direction. Subsequently, our interaction with the Öppen studio was like a ball game—we actively exchanged concepts for improving the brand. With each new proposal, the project was enriched with additional elements, ranging from interior design to graphic solutions.

— Architects, I have a question for you: why are there no references to lace patterns in your work? Or perhaps they can still be found?

Ekaterina Bologova: We used lace covertly. Not in the sense of physically hiding it—it serves more as an associative component.

Our work began with the "Prosvet" project in Cherepovets, which had not yet been presented, and then we moved on to work in Vologda. For the Cherepovets space, we designed an elegant metal box. At that point, Öppen Studio joined us, and their designers took on the idea, enhancing the visual impact of the identity.

In the Vologda project, we embodied the identity concept in the physical environment. Perforation began to appear in a wide variety of elements: from cubic signs to shelving, wall decoration, and chair backs. It became an amazing symbiosis that arose from that very lace.

As in most of our projects, we sought to identify associations through various mediated elements. In this case, we focused on the distinctive features of Vologda art, architecture, and history, which we then used to create new visual solutions.

When creating the "Prosvet" project, we had no intention of following modern trends. Since the bakery is located in a historic building, we sought to rely on timeless and proven solutions. Our goal was to respect the space while highlighting its unique characteristics. We preserved essential elements and used geometric techniques that emphasize the building's original structure.

Our studio has a distinctive style, which is evident in our approach to work. However, our techniques are always varied. We are confident that this can be seen if we compare our projects with each other.

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— How did coral color enter the world of interiors? Why is its shade so light, unlike the terracotta that can be seen on the bricks from the brand book?

Ekaterina Bologova: It's very simple: this shade was originally incorporated into the brand's identity. We intended to assign each element its own color, based on the available options.

Thus, the name "Prosvet" is directly associated with light, which, in turn, determines brighter shades.

Were the production processes related to furniture, decor and finishing carried out on site or ordered from remote countries?

Ekaterina Bologova: Basically, our cooperation was focused on the local level. We worked with both Vologda-based brands, such as Valkeda, and companies with a nationwide presence. Fora was responsible for creating custom elements, while dpt. I was working on some of the chairs.

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"IKEA is everywhere, but there are practically no unique spaces."

There are no standard IKEA tables in this space. The interior design reflects the values ​​​​of the entrepreneur and their target audience. For the companies we cooperate with, it is important not only to sell their product, but also to share their story, offer new knowledge, create a unique experience, and also become that third place where people want to return.

We highly appreciate our clients for their desire to improve and willingness to do more. Thanks to this, we can spread high-quality design throughout the country and promote the development of aesthetic taste.

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• Tadao Ando, ​​a Japanese architect known for his unique style and philosophy, has created many outstanding architectural projects. Here are five of them that vividly demonstrate his skill and approach to design.

  1. Church of the Light - this masterpiece, located in Osaka, is not only a place of worship, but also an example of how light can interact with space. The architect used concrete and glass, creating a harmonious and peaceful environment.

  2. Water Museum in Hiroshima - this project has become a symbol of recovery and hope after the tragedies that occurred in this city. Ando conceived the museum to be in harmony with nature and offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and significance of water.

  3. The Naoshima Island Villa is a residential building located on a picturesque island renowned for its contemporary art. Ando created a space that not only serves as a home but also as a way to enjoy the surrounding nature and scenery.

  4. The Naoshima Art Center is another project on this island that combines art and nature. Ando used minimalist forms and natural materials to create a space that promotes the appreciation of art in its purest form.

  5. The Osatsu Tranquil Chapel is a small but incredibly atmospheric structure designed to help people find peace. Ando masterfully used light and shadow, creating a unique atmosphere that allows visitors to escape from the daily hustle and bustle.

  Each of these projects illustrates Tadao Ando's philosophy based on interaction with nature, light, and space, as well as his desire to create harmonious and inspiring architectural solutions.

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