Many elements make up a nightclub, from decor and drinks, to service and setting. In this list of defining factors, music comes pretty high up in terms of significance, however it is more than just an important part of the Sonotheque offer. Sound, both as an abstract idea and in real audio installation terms, is the driving force behind the new Chicago based venture from industry heavyweights Joe Bryl, Donnie Madia and Terry Alexander. Design credit goes to architect and designer Suhail, who was also behind Chicago dessert bar, Sugar.
He explains the the thinking behind the scheme at Sonotheque: "I wanted (the venue's) design to be dictated by music. I wanted sound to be the colour." Little variation in terms of colour has been used in the interior, and a palette of greys has been drawn on for the majority of the scheme, leaving the more lively shades to be brought in the form of the music.
Materials used in the venue have all been picked for their ability to function on two levels, both as part of the interior design scheme and as sound enhancing devices. "Basically, I was using every acoustic component to make the overall architecture work", says the designer. Each element is therefore not only appealing in its appearance and texture but adds something to the quality of the audio environment, absorbing, diffusing or reflecting sound. With this dual purpose approach, it is no surprise that installers, Sound Investment Audio, turned to Funktion One to provide the majority of the speakers, with their reputation for top quality audio that is not only pleasing on the ear but on the eye too.
Daniel Agne of Sound Investment Audio gives us his thoughts on this unique project: "The installation of their system is unique in that the entire system is flown from the ceiling. At either end of the room we have flown in a linear configuration an AX-88, 218, INFRA & AX-88. It was a bit of a trick getting the system installed, but the results were sonically pleasing."
Although the club has been designed to not just accommodate but to show off this sound system, this does not mean that customers' comfort has been overlooked. Seating is relaxed, with low slung couches and banquettes grouped around the perimeter of the room. These couches are upholstered using high density foam and suede which actively reflects high frequency sound.
Above the seating areas decorative yet functional panels have been installed to provide absorption for the sound. These are made from a special material called Snowcrash, a felt of sorts which draws in mid-range frequency noise and disperses it back out into the room.
Look up and aluminium ceiling tiles have been installed to not only create a clean and modern look, but also in order to diffuse sound, angled, as they are, at various heights. Underfoot the floor is formed from vinyl wood and plastic concrete tiles acts as reflectors.
The soundtrack which accompanies this music inspired interior is a varied one. Latin and up-beat tunes are mixed with jazz and hip-hop by a variety of top name DJs. Upcoming acts include The Rainer Truby Trio (members of Germany's A Forest Mighty Black on the Compost label) and Japan's Kyoto Jazz Massive.
The sleek, urban chic of the interior is translated into a minimal and colourless exterior that is in many ways faceless. The facade is covered in a grey aluminium skin, and with no signage, a strip of light grey panels that are set at various angles, provide the only point of interest. Suhail says of this understated approach to the frontage: "I wanted people to know that something is there. But only people who need to know will figure it out." A kind of exclusive attitude which seems fitting for such a uniquely created concept.
sound
4 x Funktion One AX88; 2 x Funktion One F218; 2 x Funktion One infra sub; 2 x Crest 9001 amp; 1 x MC2 T2000 amplifier; 1 x XTA DP226 digital processor; 1 x Rane MP & XP 2016 mixer; 3 x Technics 1200 mkII; 2 x Denon CDJ 1000
links:
www.suhaildesign.com
www.soundinvestmentav.com