Uruk is a restaurant in Kazakhstan, designed by Rustam Hamd in 2023. The project’s minimalist interior avoids typical Eastern cliches and instead features recognisable elements of Turkic nomadic culture, like kinetic installations inspired by traditional crafts and everyday objects. The decor evokes an Eastern ambiance with a monochrome “steppe” palette, adras-patterned furniture, and straw lampshades, creating a cohesive and subtle atmosphere.
The restaurant interior design follows a restrained color palette, forming a cohesive and complete image of the space. The interiors are characterized by a subdued color palette and elements inspired by traditional practices and objects used by nomadic Turkic peoples. The designer describes the style as minimalist, with an emphasis on creating a cohesive interior rather than focusing on individual elements.
A distinctive feature of the interior is the kinetic installations specifically developed by Rustam Hamd for this project. These dynamic compositions draw inspiration from characteristic items of decorative and applied arts, everyday objects, and the culture of nomads. They include elements like the saukele (a ceremonial headdress), modern everyday hats (taqiya), musical instruments such as the kobyz and the dombra, decorative dishes (kese), a historical cauldron (taikazan), and the iconic yurt (nomadic tent).
The kinetic elements are designed to rotate around 360 degrees and their ribbed structures create a fascinating play of light and shadow, accentuated by spotlights. The installations were designed to reference elements that relate to the historical context and culture of the region the restaurant is located in.
According to Hamd, after the concept was established and sketches were developed, Moscow-based Academic Studios was involved in the artisanal production of the kinetic installations. Hamd also points to the monochrome “steppe” palette in ocher tones used for the wall finishes, reminiscent of adobe—a traditional clay building material, as a key aspect of the project. He describes the color palette as a “homage” to the earth wall paintings of traditional Kazakh architecture.
In addition, a contrasting veneer used in the furniture and wall finishes features intricate patterns of adras, a traditional handmade fabric made from silk and cotton. The color palette is then further complemented by the addition of statement straw lampshades that evoke sun-drenched gardens of southern regions.
The straw lampshades are also adorned with cages containing quails that sing melodically—a decorative element based on the “turkavak” which refers to the practice of decorating gardens with sung birds in straw cages that is traditional to the region. The restrained palette and mostly minimalist finishes are punctuated with select patterns and textures, mixing traditional and stylized decor, creating a subtle Eastern ambiance within the interior.
In addition to incorporating traditional craft practices, the restaurant also focuses on creating an interior atmosphere that is collective and cohesive. The restaurant was designed with the aim of creating a space that was Eastern without resorting to stereotypical elements.
Hamd points out that intentional choices in the spatial layout and lighting design help create a harmonious atmosphere. The kinetic installations were created to serve as a focal point within the space.
According to Hamd, the kinetic dynamism of the elements that rotate around 360 degrees help make the elements key points within each distinct restaurant area. This creates a hierarchy within the restaurant that differentiates the buffet line, the main restaurant, and the VIP area.
The spatial layout implements separate interiors and menus based on the hierarchy of spaces, each centered around kinetic installations to further differentiate services and pricing of the distinct spaces. This focus on creating dynamic spatial elements to distinguish separate zones relates to Hamd’s point that rather than as a collection of various elements, the restaurant interior design should be regarded as one cohesive whole.
