Photograph showing café, bar and lecture space. The back lecture space is framed by retractable curtains. 
Post Works' competition-winning Central Bar at 100% Design
Post Works' competition-winning Central Bar at 100% Design
Post Works' competition-winning Central Bar at 100% Design
Post Works have been announced as the winners of a competition curated between The Architecture Foundation and 100% Design. As winners, Post Works will now be commissioned to realise the central bar at this year's 100% Design exhibition.
The jury felt that Post Works demonstrated a unique talent in understanding a brief and expanding beyond it. They have engineered a unique bar area that can reconfigure itself daily and hourly. Through a system of moving, suspended props, falling curtains and changeable lighting, the central bar can evolve into a multifunctional and theatrical space. The concept is technically intricate and visually dramatic, and as the central bar it will demonstrate the importance of effect in architecture.
Post Works' bar design divides the bar into separate areas according to the time of day and volume of people. Curtains can be lowered to the ground from the overhead truss structure, dividing the area to create a separate enclosed room, or sanctuary. Blue lighting and a mist machine hung from overhead rigging will create a relaxed environment, separate from but within the bar space. The bar is surrounded by 50 seats, with a further 30 seats exposed when the curtains are raised.
Post Works' design also includes a landscape of geometrical props, "architectural characters", that are to be suspended above the bar area. These flat shapes are powered by motor hoists controlled by a set operator who can move and re-orientate each shape, as if acting out a play. Abstract floor-standing flats or frames will help separate the different spaces within the bar area, as well as reinforcing the feeling of theatrical experience.
Four practices were initially invited to submit designs: Assemble, House of Jonn, Post Works and rare architecture.
The Architecture Foundation will be curating a series of lectures and events along with Post Works in the bar to coincide with 100% Design.
The competition jury comprised:
Andy Groarke - Director, Carmody Groarke
Julieann Humphryes - Head of Design, Yoo; Partner, David Archer Architects and Non-executive Chair, 100% Design
Sarah Ichioka - Director, The Architecture Foundation
Peter Massey - Show Director, 100% Design
Justin McGuirk - Design Critic, The Guardian
Haruo Morishima - Design and Development Executive, Hakkasan
Lynda Relph-Knight - Design Writer and Consultant