An “oxymoron” is the union of two words that have contradictory or opposite meanings but which together form a phrase with a new meaning. As the name of the locale suggests, our client wanted to create a space which played upon duality and the mixture of opposites: man – woman; black- white; day – night. In the evening, in addition to food and drinks, a burlesque show would be offered to introduce a party atmosphere and dancing.
The building in which it is located -- an old canning warehouse -- was a space with a great deal of personality as far as structure is concerned. We wanted to emphasize this by painting it a bright red in order to unify the different areas.
The concept of design is based on the opposition of elements, where all the pieces have their counterpoint. Four large neon lights welcome us on arrival from the four corners of space, almost square in shape. Contrast in pairs of two, they send us a clear message in the form of oxymoron: Never - Again, Peace - Force, Holy - Hell, Public - Secret. The starting point is clear.
Two arches frame the central space at double height and serve as background to the two large bars. Next to the white arch in front, the bar "El Mama" is a bar 360 degrees, more diurnal and cozy, with details in wood and a lot of vegetation. At the opposite end, the cocktail bar "El Papa", on the black arch, is the nocturnal counterpoint, metallic and industrial.
On the sides of the bars we propose structural platforms at different heights, connected with a large gateway-stage, creating multiple routes through space. These platforms, once again facing each other, generate more private areas, reserved for events, and even a "secret bar".
The different levels, benches and bars, frame what from a certain time of night will become the center of all looks, the dance floor.
We play again with the idea of opposites with the materials. Polished woods on walls of worn original paint, ceramic mosaic pavements with Mediterranean air next to wood and dark or industrial metal plates. The contrasts are infinite.
