TOTEM BAR
SLADE ARCHITECTURE + MASS STUDIES
LOCATION / NEW YORK, NY
PROJECT TYPE / HOSPITALITY, BAR
PHOTOGRAPHER / JORDI MIRALLES

We connected two separate storefronts and created a bar and restaurant/lounge. We empahsized the distinction between these two environments. The client was interested in Totems and carved panels--exhibiting them prominently in the spaces and building spaces around them. In response, we decided that the idea for each room should come from ideas embedded in totems.

For the bar we chose to focus on the object quality of totems. They are freestanding objects in a landscape. The bar becomes the central focus of the space but each component has a strong separate quality.

In the lounge we wanted to explore the idea of carving itself, how a totem is carved out of one tree, one material. This space is formed in felt. The entire space is a container defined by one material that unifies the wall, ceiling seating and tables. In contrast to the bar, this space is more like a cave carved out of felt that is about removal.

Additionally, these spaces offer distinct experiences with the bar more amenable to mixing and meeting while the restaurant/lounge is closer and fosters a relaxed intimate setting.