Analyzing the Space as the Starting Point of the Project

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Every restaurant begins not with selecting materials or creating visualizations, but with a thorough analysis of the space and the way it will function. For MANANA in Tashkent, the primary objective was not simply to design a beautiful interior, but to create an environment that supports the restaurant's dynamic concept while remaining comfortable for both guests and staff.

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Before developing the design concept, the WOW Project team immersed themselves in understanding the brand and the principles behind its operation. It was essential to understand not only the restaurant's aesthetic identity but also how it functions on a daily basis.

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MANANA is more than a place to enjoy Georgian cuisine. Live music, themed evenings, performances, celebrations, and family gatherings are integral parts of the experience. The interior therefore had to serve not merely as a backdrop, but as an active tool for creating memorable experiences.

Existing Architecture as Part of the Future Interior

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The restaurant occupies the ground floor of a residential building in the historic district of Tashkent. Before the design process began, the building had already undergone several transformations, including the addition of an extension, resulting in an irregular floor plan and a number of structural constraints.

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At first glance, these conditions might have seemed like limitations. Instead, they became the foundation for many of the project's key design decisions. During demolition, it became clear that several walls originally intended for removal were in fact load-bearing and had to remain. Rather than fighting the existing architecture, the design team chose to embrace its potential.

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This decision ultimately led to the creation of one of the restaurant's most atmospheric spaces—a secluded dining area framed by brick arches that now serves as an intimate private zone for guests.

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The arches themselves have an equally interesting story. Originally, they were large façade windows of the residential building. Once the extension was added, they became enclosed within the restaurant. Instead of concealing them, the architects transformed these architectural remnants into one of the defining features of the interior.

Designing Around Function and Constraints

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Restaurant planning never begins with arranging tables. It starts with understanding how the space will be used.

From the very beginning, the client defined a clear set of operational requirements that the restaurant needed to accommodate: a spacious open kitchen, an open baking oven, a central feature bar, a stage for live performances, a children's play area, efficient circulation routes for staff, and carefully optimized seating capacity.

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Each of these functions directly influenced the others. Expanding the stage reduced the number of seats, while the open kitchen required wider service corridors. At the same time, the building itself presented significant planning challenges. Its irregular geometry, existing load-bearing walls, and previously constructed extension limited the possible layout solutions and required every design decision to be carefully considered.

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Rather than treating these constraints as obstacles, the WOW Project team embraced them as an integral part of the creative process. The existing architecture helped define circulation, organize functional zones, and shape the spatial composition, giving the interior its distinctive character.

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The final layout became a careful balance between commercial objectives, operational efficiency, ergonomics, and architectural logic. Projects like this demonstrate that creativity is not born from unlimited freedom, but from finding intelligent solutions within real-world limitations.

From Research to Design Concept

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Alongside the spatial analysis, the team explored the architectural language and material culture of Georgia. The goal was not to recreate a traditional Georgian interior, but to understand the elements that make it instantly recognizable and reinterpret them through a contemporary design language.

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Arches, hand-painted finishes inspired by handcrafted ceramics, warm brick, natural textures, timber, irregular surfaces, and a strong sense of craftsmanship became the foundation of the concept. Rather than literally referencing historical interiors, the architects distilled these elements into a modern spatial experience that captures the spirit of Georgia while remaining authentic and relevant.

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The Workshop phase ultimately established the principles that guided every subsequent design decision. The existing architecture became an integral part of the concept rather than something to conceal, while every intervention sought to balance emotion with functionality. Material choices emphasized authenticity and craftsmanship, and the planning strategy ensured the restaurant could operate efficiently despite the building's complex geometry.

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This analytical process laid the foundation for the next stage of the project—the development of MANANA's design concept, where architecture, materials, and atmosphere came together to form one cohesive story.

Creating MANANA's Design Identity

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The primary goal of the project was to capture the spirit of Georgian culture without literally recreating its traditional imagery. Instead of relying on stereotypes, the WOW Project team developed a contemporary design language inspired by Georgian architecture, craftsmanship, and material culture.

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Natural textures, warm earthy tones, arches, ceramics, timber, and brick formed the foundation of the interior. Rather than serving as decoration, these elements were carefully composed to create an authentic atmosphere and a recognizable identity for MANANA that could be perceived even without logos or graphic branding.

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One of the concept's defining features became the bar counter, finished with an authentic traditional carpet, which evolved into one of the restaurant's most recognizable elements. Another signature detail was the series of arches with hand-painted finishes inspired by handcrafted ceramic tiles. When sourcing authentic handmade tiles proved impossible, the team recreated their depth, texture, and irregularity through artisanal painting techniques, turning a practical challenge into a distinctive feature of the design.

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The result is not a stylized Georgian restaurant, but a contemporary interpretation of Georgian culture, where architecture, materials, and craftsmanship come together to create a cohesive and memorable identity.

Materiality as the Foundation of Atmosphere

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One of the guiding principles of the concept was to create an interior that feels authentic. Rather than relying on perfectly smooth finishes or decorative imitations, the team deliberately chose materials with natural texture, depth, and character.

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The material palette was built around natural timber, warm brick, textured plaster, handcrafted ceramics with irregular surfaces, and metal finished with a subtle patina. Together, these elements introduced warmth, tactility, and a strong sense of craftsmanship throughout the space.

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For the design team, selecting the right materials was only part of the process. Equally important was preserving their character during construction. Particular attention was therefore given not only to technical drawings but also to communicating the intended visual and tactile qualities of each material to the contractors.

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In this project, the effect of a material was just as important as its form. Even a perfectly executed detail would lose its impact if the texture, irregularity, and handcrafted quality that defined its character were lost in the process.

Details That Define the Character of the Space

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Once the material foundation of the concept had been established, the focus shifted to the details that give the interior its atmosphere and make it instantly recognizable.

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One of these defining elements became the custom-designed textile pendant lights. Initially considered as one of several alternatives, they ultimately proved to be the solution that best captured the desired mood. Their large sculptural forms and soft texture introduced warmth, comfort, and a strong visual presence, eventually becoming one of MANANA's most recognizable interior features.

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Artwork played an equally important role. Rather than serving as decoration, it became an extension of the architectural concept itself. Each piece was selected to reinforce the project's colour palette, atmosphere, and cultural narrative. During implementation, most of the artworks were recreated by hand based on the references developed throughout the design process, ensuring a high level of consistency between the concept and the completed interior.

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It is the combination of materials, lighting, artwork, and architectural details that ultimately shapes the emotional perception of the space. Nothing was introduced by chance—every element contributes to a single narrative, creating a contemporary interpretation of Georgian culture that is remembered not through individual objects, but through the atmosphere as a whole.

From Concept to Detail

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Following concept approval, the team entered the detailed design phase, where every decision was evaluated not only for its visual impact but also for its functionality and feasibility.

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Particular attention was given to integrating the open kitchen, bar area, and signature oven into the existing architecture of the building. The oven became one of the most technically challenging elements of the project. Standard commercial kitchen equipment required a custom architectural enclosure that would transform it into the visual focal point of the space. To achieve this, the team designed a bespoke structure inspired by traditional fireplaces and clay ovens.

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At the same time, every custom interior element—from furniture and decorative features to lighting fixtures and artwork—was developed in detail. Each component went through multiple iterations to ensure it met the project's aesthetic vision, ergonomic requirements, and budget constraints.

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A key part of the development process was coordinating architectural solutions with the restaurant's technical documentation. Equipment dimensions, ventilation systems, engineering services, and custom furniture were all carefully verified during the design stage, minimizing construction risks and ensuring that the completed interior remained as faithful as possible to the original concept.

Bringing the Concept to Life

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The primary objective during implementation was to translate the concept into a built interior with the highest possible level of accuracy, despite technical constraints, budget adjustments, and the realities of local production.

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Throughout construction, some materials had to be adapted without compromising the original design intent. One example was the decorative finish within the arches. Originally envisioned as handcrafted ceramic tiles, it was ultimately recreated through hand-painted textured surfaces that preserved the depth and character of the initial idea. The same approach was applied to other custom elements: the priority was not to replicate materials literally, but to preserve the same spatial experience envisioned in the original concept.

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The team worked closely with contractors throughout the process. Beyond technical drawings, it was essential to communicate the intention behind every detail—from material textures and surface character to the sense of craftsmanship and the overall atmosphere of the space. This level of collaboration resulted in a completed interior that closely reflects the original visualisations.

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As a result, the completed restaurant successfully retained the core principles of the original concept. Despite a number of necessary adaptations, the project was delivered with a high level of fidelity, and many of the design solutions created for MANANA later became recognizable elements of the brand's architectural identity.