We are very proud to announce that our project MBS Beauty Clinic is nominated for the Building of the Year Award 2023 by ArchDaily.

We are very excited and honoured to have been invited to judge Dezeen Awards 2022! This year Polina will be representing ASKA in the interiors categories together with other international judges such as Sou Foujimoto, Rolf Hay, Charlotte Taylor, Hans Ulrich Obrist and many more.

We are very happy to announce that our project café Banacado is nominated for the Young Swedish Architecture prize (Ung Svensk Arkitektur)! The prize is awarded by Architects Sweden to one project every second year. Four projects are nominated and the winner will be announced at the annual Swedish Architectural Gala in April.

ASKA’s latest refurbishment project –
beauty clinic MBS by Malika, located in central Stockholm, sets out to offer a new interpretation of an iconic Scandinavian design era. Inspired by the buildings architecture that dates back to the 30s, the architects have reawaken ”The Scandinavian modern style”, ”Nordic functionalism” or simply ”Funkis” in the interior of aground floor space of 70 m².

The atmosphere inside could be described as somethinglike ”modern nostalgia”, as some of the design elements feel recognizable giving the space a rigid and trustworthy flavour, while other fragments are unexpected, adding a sharp and slightly playful touch.  ”We saw potential in adding luxury, softness and a young vibe to this simple, strict and socialistic style. Believing that something new and unique could rise from the merge.”

Earlier this summer, café Banacado located in the lively area of Vasastan, Stockholm, opened its doors to the public.

ASKA gave the brand a physical identity by transforming its 70 m2 area into a vibrant dreamscape. Warm tones of yellow and peach, the greenery and generous amount of light immediately transport you to an exotic atmosphere, where the sweetly flavoured and colorful food naturally blends in with the environment. To further add upon the southern vibe, certain design elements such as the idiom of shelves, arches and the painted checkerboard floor were inspired by the aesthetics of Cuba.

Upon entering the space, you are enveloped by a pale yellow light, resembling the effect of a sepia lens, making you a part of an old movie. The concept of an environment where ”time stands still” is further enhanced by the subtle layer of vintage details such as the lp-player and the polaroid wall that take your mind to a different era. In order to create a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere the architectural duo searched for inspiration within the film industry. 

The composition of the interior references to the aesthetics of a Wes Anderson movie, as his motives often follow a strong symmetry and are built from a one point perspective. That sense of constructed perfection makes a space feel somewhat unreal.

This spring one of the worlds leading haircare brands Maria Nila opened the doors to its new head office, a four story townhouse located in the central part of Stockholm, Sweden. ASKA was given the task to renovate and design the new node of the organisation.

After opening the heavy wooden door you immediately step right in to the magic world of Maria Nila, an entrance where you are welcomed by a unique art installation by ASKA made out of form-cut plexiglass discs resembling shampoo that comes dripping down from the ceiling. ASKA is true to always following their mission – to uncover the essence of each individual project and bring it to the surface through architecture. Here the visitors attention is drawn straight to the core of the company – their product. The color scheme chosen for the different spaces through out the building clearly refer to the different haircare lines of Maria Nila. The pastel colors that are one of the main identities of the brand combined with a playful and soft architectural language make up the DNA of the building. The organic shapes are inspired by elements found in nature such as the forest, ocean, coral reefs and caves, all referring back to the green and nature-friendly approach of the company itself. The visitor is left with a clear and flavoured experience, a space that stretches the idea of what an office space could be.

The first week of February is upon us and Stockholm Design Week is right around the corner. The new digital concept Trendgruppen Design TV is finally about to launch and ASKA are responsible for the set design of the studio. Throughout the week inspiring people from the industry such as Thomas Sandell, Färg & Blanche and Hanna Nova Beatrice are guesting to talk about future visions and design trends. In the first episode where ASKA are interviewed themselves we get to hear more about the concept behind their design. The architects vision is clear and to the point – to address our current day situation and offer a response to some of the strongest desires we hold today.

The restrictions are getting tougher and the days all darker and colder. The longing for warmer and exotic environments has therefore here been translated into colors like beige and terracotta. Tactility is highlighted in details such as ceramics and pleated fabric whilst the play of shadows contributes to a dynamic and vibrant feel reminding us of warm summer evenings. Some of the interior details such as the coffee table, the backdrop and the pedestals are designed by ASKA themselves and reminds us of large scale fundamental architectural elements such as arches and columns. We are part of an increasingly unpredictable world, the architects say, a design language that is recognizable and familiar could therefor be of preference – providing us with a sense of safety and stability.

2020 – A significant year, defined by fast turnarounds and great challenges. Rules did change, demands were formulated and new ground was broken. Fortunately, an uneven landscape creates a momentum for opportunities to rise. From the ashes of a torn society, like the phoenix, ASKA was born. An architectural practice that is catching a new wave, challenging the ideas of what once was, resolving the border between essential architectural values and the common user. ASKA is ready to take this field of practice on to a new era. Now is the time to be progressive. Looking beyond the mainstream, pale design expressions of today – or as Swedes would say – the mellanmjölk architecture, ASKA sees to a design language that has a strong impact on the user, while challenging the idea of what architecture could and should be.