‘Reveal’: Architecture Competition seeks ideas and projects A speakeasy tucked away in the urban locale held by UNI
Secret indulgences
The Prohibition era is an irreplaceable part of the history of the United States. This was a time when alcohol consumption, distribution, and even production were banned in the country. This era, even though it lasted for a short while, shaped the cultural landscape of the country and the world.
Speakeasies are one such creation that came into existence in the Prohibition period of 1920 to 1933 in the United States. They were hidden sections of an establishment that were used to illegally sell alcoholic beverages during Prohibition. Even though Prohibition never survived, the charm of a hidden-away bar certainly did.
As the food and bar industry is picking up, the desire for elaborate themes and ambiances have also risen to compete. The 1920 period’s establishment is making a return. The culture of this hidden bar is now spreading over the world. The experience is tailored to contemporary times but enriched with old-world charm.
What would a speakeasy look like in today’s time?
Artistic impressions
Art is a prominent visual art across the globe and its landscape remains ever-evolving with dynamic movements. Dutch art is a visual form that tells the history of art movements in the Netherlands. In the 19th century, artists of Dutch heritage started getting recognition around the world.
Impressionism particularly had a significant impact on the country. These paintings included real-life depictions in a fine, refined manner. Light is used to highlight and play with perception. Vincent van Gogh was a post-impressionist artist who focused on abstraction and vivid colors.
During the Prohibition era, an art movement known as Amsterdam Impressionism was in motion. Impressionism was explored in new and innovative forms by young artists like Johan Braakensiek, Geisha Kwak and Willem de Zwart. These artists were inspired by the French impressionists and focused on depicting the everyday life of the city.
How can the impressionist movement be infused into a design to revive the speakeasy typology?
Brief of the competition
As an ode to this era and the contribution of impressionism in shaping the urban landscape of Amsterdam, the theme of the design challenge is to be inspired by the impressionist paintings that were part of the city’s art scene over time.
Brief: The challenge of the competition is to design a speakeasy by taking impressionism as the theme inspiration.
The interiors of modern speakeasies are enchanting and often theme-based, to maintain the allure of the era. The design must convey a story of a certain time, that is brought to life through its creative interpretation in the physical setting. The context will play a role in the design interpretation.
The speakeasy must cater to a minimum of 45 visitors. The aim is to revamp the 1920’s speakeasy trend into a modern version through the story of the impressionist era. The theme inspiration must be adequately justified. The aesthetics and functionality must be balanced for the interior as well as a form of the structure.
Design Objectives
•Planning: The ambiance of the setting must be engaging but zones of privacy and interaction must be guided separately over the layout.
•Interior: The lighting, furniture, material palette, and finishes must be in synergy with the theme and ambiance must imbue a speakeasy.
•Harmony: The design must establish harmony or connection with the surroundings while having outstanding interior features.
•Balance: Privacy and interaction must be guided in the layout to tend to all types of users.
Site
The site is in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which is a world-renowned tourist destination with a vibrant culture and modern society. The city has an eclectic vibe full of festivals, social events, and hopping nightlife. It is characterized by narrow streets, colorful buildings, and canal networks that create a revealing journey for pedestrians and cyclists. Renowned artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh were notable residents who contributed to changing the landscape of art.
The speakeasy is located in the neighborhood of Wittenburg. It is characterized by artsy centers, eclectic eateries, and vibrant nightlife. Windroosplein 73 is a heritage building that is the site of this challenge. The structure dates from 1896, located in the center of Amsterdam with an indoor harbor. Initially used for the storage of lifeboats, the hall has been renovated to be used as an event location and can be used for this new typology.
•Site area: 611 sqm 348 sq.m
•Location: Windroosplein 73, 1018 ZZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Program Outline
The speakeasy is to be accommodated in an old building located on the dock of the river. The main hall has an area of around 300 sq.m which can be used for the speakeasy interior. The space is double-height (Height of 6 meters) with a sloping roof.
There are ancillary spaces for offices, storage, and service that are part of the structure. These spaces can be modified to suit the needs of the new typology. The deck area can be used at the discretion of the participant.
The building has a historic value in the city so the image (exterior) must be retained, but slight modifications are permitted.
Originally published at https://uni.xyz.
