Red track is an office space for a young Euro Nascar/Nascar driver located in the Northern sector of Attica, Greece. The hyper compact layout includes a work station, a conference area, a kitchenette and storage, as well as custom displays containing trophies, awards and memorabilia following the owner’s performance output.
The main design influence was the streamline aesthetics of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey which helped the project evolve in a nuanced direction as opposed to the literal representation of automotive clichés. Spatial elements showcased throughout the sets of the film, such as lighting repetition, prefabricated panel structures and their joinery, as well as minimalist details, have been translated to the design process. Hence the application of symmetry, reflecting surfaces, evocative lighting design and the overall sleek glossy finishes of materials.
The vinyl floor elongates and gives direction to the space, while hinting to the client’s pursuits. The white curved wall suggests practices of prefabrication such as assemblage and paneling. Consistent with streamline techniques the curve transitions into the wire mesh suspended ceiling, that is reminiscent of air ducts and exhaustion formations. The longitudinal axis of the project is anchored by a charcoal black wall with red lit trophy cases similar to distancing tail lights. The opposite end of the axis, next to the entrance, features two custom made cases framing driver suites accentuated by white neon halos. The overall envelope is completed by the use of the mirror wall which creates symmetry and extends the perceptible boundaries of the space.
Finally, every aspect of the project is assembled under a custom main light in the form of a track loop providing both cool white and fiery red light; the homonymous red track.
Architects: dire architects
Lighting Consultants: LUUN
Construction: Pyrna Co
Photography: George Fakaros