Bar in a former flower shop

We took care of the construction of a bar in a former flower shop in the heart of Piacenza, in front of Palazzo Farnese.

For this project, we created several lighting fixtures and controls for dimming. The installation involves an intensive use of colored wires, many knobs, and a reasonable number of exposed bolts. And cable ties. Lots of cable ties.
We chose simple and inexpensive materials: we didn’t hide wires, screws, brackets, and all the technical parts, with the idea that technological details have an inherent beauty, and with the broader conviction that the professionals’ tendency to organize by hiding all the components reveals more of a misunderstanding of how things work and how they are built, rather than a matter of taste.
Additionally, we designed and built doors, hinges, buttons, transformer plates, ventilation grids, adjustable feet, handles, shelves, jars, small mirrors, and cable holders to prevent their theft.

PS: One could say that building a bar is, above all, about thinking of those who will choose to spend time in that space, the regular customer and the curious passerby. It’s a balance between neutrality and concentrated character. One could talk about how we designed a space with two souls: one daytime, bright, welcoming, soft, and made of wood, light colors, and a large window onto the square; the other dark, mysterious, and full of expectations—like a first date—made of metal surfaces and technical grids, transparencies, and reflections.
This duality is our idea of a bar, of conviviality.
One could talk about architectural choices, colors, and materials, but for that, the photos are enough.
One could recommend a visit, if you happen to be around.

Project:

Location: Piacenza, Italy

Type: Interior design, custom furnishing

Project year: 2025

Photos: Marco Fava