The brief was
explicit and conflictive: It should be a timeless place, without alluding to
any obviously contemporary or minimal styles. Neither should it copy earlier
precedents. All the same it should pick up on the atmosphere and timbre of
anterior examples, bearing in mind that it should also be influenced by its cinematic
aspects. And it would of course have to establish the best possible interaction
between the required uses. The question was how to naturally design the space,
without leaving the palpable traces of contemporary design.
The layout was
based on a few simple principles. Both, the bar and the cinema were split into
levels, slightly rising towards the backdrop. The platforms serve various
purposes: In the bar, the differences in level create zones without obstructing
vision and thus making the space look bigger. The levels also work as stages,
producing particular perspectives onto the picture-framed street view, the
reflective, fragmented wall in the rear and the crowds populating the bar. In
the cinema, the levels were fitted with sofas and armchairs to create an
intimate environment.
The textures,
colours, shapes and lighting were applied to generate the sensual and absorbing
qualities of the spaces.
The scope included architectural design, lighting
design and furniture design.
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