Header: Corvin Cristian
The venue of Club Control was once a restaurant dedicated to the friendship between the two friendly communist countries, Democratic Germany and Socialist Romania. Founded in the 60s, the restaurant titled Berlin was covered in Meisen blue ceramic portraying towns in Germany. Fast forward a few decades, and the space has been turned into a Control Club that’s all about the music, highlighting the relevance of acoustics. To ensure outstanding sound quality for its visitors, each element of the design focuses more on the acoustic requirements than aesthetic ones.
Designed for the best clubbing experience
The “small room” has been completely reimagined to ensure natural circulation of clubbers. A DJ booth in the middle serves as an informal gathering area, while the bar located right behind it gives a true backstage experience to those sitting in the area. The design kept, restored and lightened original neo-classical decorations.
The old German town depictions look more lively than ever, while other surfaces have been covered in wood as the main material. A custom-made semi-round profile of solid wood battens is inspired by the grooves of the historical columns. The battens are designed to withstand impact caused by partygoers while simultaneously providing sound reflectors and absorbing wall treatment.
Custom-made furniture and sound control
The sound is affected further by the bar shelves, which are incorporated into a system of panels set under various angles and frequencies like a real sound studio. Just like with every other element of the design, acoustics come first, while the original function of holding and presenting beverages becomes secondary. The sound system with wide dispersion angle horns is tailored to perfection to ensure consistent sound quality at every part of the venue. Period speakers have inspired the perforations on the custom-made chairs and table tops.
Interior design by Corvin Cristian Studio
The design team consisting of Corvin Cristian and Serban Rosca decided to avoid current listening bar trends characterised by an extremely clean South Korean aesthetic dominated by concrete, terrazzo, and stainless steel. Realising that the cleanliness of the sound frequently contrasts with the cleanliness of design, the duo working for Corvin Cristian Studio brought more liveliness into their décor. The Bucharest-based award-winning studio specialises in hospitality projects, but also works in lighting design, corporate offices, film scenography, large-scale events and object, graphic and identity design.
Located in the premises of an old Cold War restaurant in Bucharest, the Club Controls combines aesthetics with the needs of modern partygoers. By selecting elements and materials that can simultaneously serve as sound reflectors and absorbers, the interior design of the venue emphasises acoustic quality. Club Control by Corvin Cristian Studio is this year’s LIV Hospitality Design Awards winner in the Interior Design Nightclub category, adding another prize to the studio’s superb portfolio.
