Book cafe Marks in Minsk

Sergey Ananiev

• Writer

Nestled in the heart of Minsk, Marks, the book cafe, is a delightful blend of literature and aesthetics. Housed in a historic 1936 building in the city center, this 200 square meter space was formerly a department store, prompting a complete redesign by the talented designer Anna Lazar.

photo_credit Sergey Ananiev — Sergey Ananiev

The café and bookstore area occupies 126 square meters, while the remaining space is dedicated to a fully-equipped kitchen. The goal was to create a versatile space suitable for business meetings, friendly gatherings, and leisurely breakfasts, with a pet-friendly policy.

Initially, the designer planned for distinct zones, but a more mixed-use approach turned out to be a charming and cozy solution. Large communal tables and low marble tables have proven popular among patrons, fostering a sense of community.

Inspired by the beauty of books from publishers Taschen and Gestalten, the interior features calming wall and ceiling colors, achieved with large-format porcelain stoneware by Laminam.

Creating the right lighting for a public space is always a challenge. Marks benefits from abundant natural daylight through its large windows during the day, while soft lighting via sconces and shelf illumination sets the mood for evenings and overcast weather.

The interior is further enhanced by artwork from sculptor Olga Orsik and artist Elena Korshak, adding a unique touch to the space.

In the words of one visitor, «The pleasure of a fragrant cup of coffee can only be compared to the joy of smelling the freshly printed pages of a new book!». This sentiment captures the essence of Marks, a place where coffee and literature come together seamlessly.

Anna Lazar, the designer, sums it up: «When you realize you have a special project in front of you, you want to convey your emotions through the space, without distracting from the main idea. That's what the interior of this book cafe means to me». Marks, the book cafe, is a testament to her successful realization of this vision, offering a space where patrons can enjoy both reading and art in perfect harmony.