BAR TON

The space is located on the ground floor of a typical communist-era apartment block, yet its location at 24 Campineanu Street carries unique historical significance. This building is part of Romania's first socialist-modernist apartment complex designed locally, reflecting a distinct departure from Soviet architectural imports. Constructed in the late 1950s and completed in the early 1960s, the block exemplifies Romanian communist design and engineering and is envisioned as a model for modern urban living across the country.

The surrounding area has long been associated with musical heritage, housing numerous instrument shops. Interestingly, this specific space previously functioned as a music store, inadvertently setting the stage for its current iteration as BAR TON—Romania’s first and only listening bar.

The interior design is a contemporary reinterpretation of the building’s original social-modernist aesthetic, seamlessly blending historical context with modern functionality. Materials such as birch plywood, marble mosaic flooring, and stainless-steel fixtures impart a minimalist, utilitarian character to the space while evoking warmth and simplicity. The intent is to create an inviting atmosphere for an intimate listening experience, akin to the nostalgic act of gathering under a blanket to enjoy music with friends.

Central to the design is fostering community and engaging the surrounding neighborhood. The space features an open-plan layout, with a mechanical glass façade framed in raw metal that replaced the original frontage. This transformative element blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing the space to breathe while inviting interaction. Referred to as “alive,” the façade operates as a dynamic feature, doubling as an initial point of visitor engagement. The adaptive battlement has been reimagined as a dual-purpose bench, accessible from both inside and outside when the façade is open, reinforcing this sense of liveliness.

The interior’s floor plan reflects the inherent constraints of the original structure. Four prominent concrete pillars dominate the square-like room’s center, imposing spatial boundaries while guiding the design toward an open-plan concept. The layout organically integrates its various functions, with the music program at its core, supported by peripheral elements like the bar, restrooms, and a banquette framing the perimeter.

The music area is designed with a symmetrical composition, anchored by a central axis highlighted by a custom-made lamp. Its structured yet whimsical symmetry evokes the reverence of a sacred space—an open chapel dedicated to sound. Subdued lighting enhances this ambiance, focusing attention on the listening experience as the room’s centerpiece.

The lighting design, executed in collaboration with Greentek Lighting, was meticulously tailored to complement the overall design. The lighting system offers distinct day and night settings, creating nuanced environments that adapt to the time of day and intended mood.

Materiality played a critical role in the design, combining rough, textured elements like raw walls and mosaic floors with refined finishes such as polished stainless steel and oiled birch plywood. This dialogue between contrasting materials grounds the design in sustainability, utilizing natural materials—wood, metal, and textiles—with care and intention.

To meet the acoustical demands of a dedicated listening space, a "room within a room" was constructed using a wooden frame, effectively isolating the sound environment. This sophisticated sound treatment is discreetly hidden, with tall drapes concealing the acoustic systems while contributing to the room's overall intimacy and warmth.

Project: BAR TON - listening bar
Architecture: Anda Zota & Muromuro Studio
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Finished: 2023