Bar counters for the National Theatre

National Theatre is the representative stage of the Czech Republic that was opened in 1881 for the first time and in 1883 for the second time when it was financed from a nationwide collection of funds after a fire.

The building was designed by Josef Zitek a Josef Schulz in the neo-renaissance style and is one of the most important architectural monuments in the Czech Republic.
The spectacular interior and exterior decorations, which captivate above all because with the richness of gilding, are comprised of artworks by Mikolas Als, Frantisek Zenisek, Vojtech Hynais, Josef Vaclav Myslbek and other significant 19th century Czech artists.

Brief
Project brief was to design a contemporary object for the main foyer and the foyer of the first gallery:

bar counters, as communal objects, meeting points that complement the social life during the theatrical performances, from which to serve refreshments.

General concept
The objects reflect contemporary design in its form but simultaneously employs materials that correspond and adequately fit into the historic interior of the building as not to attract excessive attention upon itself; simple functional form, calculated finite material use.

A simple brass frame with an inserted marble cuboid is topped with a glass cooled counter display. The whole form is set on a dark inset pedestal that creates the sense of lightness and levitation.

Technical information
Every bar counter is mobile, which enables variability for a spectrum of events. In addition to the glass display counters, refreshments can be kept in the available cooled storage.

Curiosities
Suppress our own ego. This was the most important and perhaps the most difficult task we encountered in the proposal. Especially in the beginning, thoughts led to an extravagant concept, but we quickly rejected this direction and set out on the path of sensitively putting the elements into the interior of the theater. Pretty humble, as if they've always been there.

As a result, the proposal was met with a positive reaction from the representative of the monument preservation office in charge of the National Theater. We then tuned in details, such as the color and texture of marble, the possibility of lighting and the like.

Materials
Steel framework
Brass frame along the circumference
Marble
Glass cooled counter display
Accessories made from Corian and brass