BAR CIRCOLO

LOCATION                koper, slovenia
PROJECT YEAR        2019  
COMPLETION           2021
TYPE                         public
CLIENT                      comunita degli italiani santorio santorio
RENDER                    igor marasovic
TEAM                        igor marasovic, gaja brulc

Circolo is a well-known bar and gathering place in the centre of Koper, situated in the historical palace Gravisi-Buttorai. The palace underwent a complete renovation a few decades ago, when a circular glass pavilion was added. Our task was to additionally renovate the bar that extends to the pavilion (seating area) and a part of the palace (bar area).

The floors and the construction remained untouched. The ceiling in the bar area was lowered with a wooden mesh that hides all the electrical and mechanical installations and reinterprets the old wooden ceiling of the palace at the same time.

We proposed two solutions: one more daring with the use of polished copper, the other calmer and more serious, but no less special, with the use of dark laminate boards. Due to the increasing prices on the metal market, we opted for the second choice. In the bar area, there is also a wall full of wine coolers with different types of wine on display.

The pavilion is oriented towards the garden area. We proposed a minimal intervention to this area by adding plants and art works on the existing white wall. The intervention in the ambience centred on choosing the appropriate lighting and seating elements. Given the purpose of the place – gathering and socializing for people of very different ages - we opted for different kinds of comfortable seats.

The garden area will be renovated on another occasion. The only change are three new tables and stools.