Genius loci refers to the unique character and spirit of a place. In the case of the architectural design competition for the Chapeau Rouge club Prague, located at Jakubská 4, Prague 1, the project aimed to respect the layout of the first underground floor, including the position of the bar, dance floor, stage, toilets, and lobby with a cloakroom. The design also had to consider the specific design concept of the club’s other floors and the genius loci of the location, while ensuring the use of durable materials.
The Chapeau Rouge club, established in 1919, is one of the oldest clubs in Prague. It is housed in a neoclassical-secessionist building on Jakubská Street in the Old Town. The club initially started in a small room on the ground floor and gradually expanded to two underground floors. Over the years, the club underwent several modifications and renovations, with the most recent being the reconstruction of the first underground floor.
Architects Cyril Nešleha and Dan Merta proposed a new design for the floor focused on electronic music. The space was first cleared of previous modifications and visually simplified. The minimalist and raw interior serves as a backdrop for the prominent concept of built-in lighting, consisting of programmable LED panels embedded in the walls.
To meet the demands of a music club, the materials used in the interior were carefully chosen. The bar walls feature glass-cement cladding, while the shelves, cloakroom, and DJ booth are supported by metal structures covered with perforated sheet metal. The toilets are made of stainless steel, and the floor is covered with a durable cement screed, ideal for a dance club.
The renovation also aimed to improve the spatial layout of the cloakroom and toilets, increasing their capacity. By moving the DJ booth forward, seating and resting areas were created in the rear part of the club while improving the acoustics on the dance floor.
A central feature of the design is the interactive LED lighting system installed in the ceiling. Custom-made programmable LED panels are embedded in the walls, with a total of 32 panels throughout the club. A new program developed in collaboration with Dominik Jančík allows the lights to be mapped into individual segments based on a 3D model. The entire installation responds to the music played in the club and evolves using algorithms. This installation is one of the first of its kind in a music club in the Czech Republic.
Even the toilets received exceptional attention in the design. Self-cleaning stainless steel basins with walkable grates are installed in the toilet floors, beneath the toilet bowls and in the urinal area, providing convenience for daily operations.
Overall, the architectural and artistic design of the Chapeau Rouge music club’s first underground floor aimed to respect the club’s history, enhance the atmosphere, and create a durable and visually appealing space that aligns with the club’s unique character and the demands of a modern music venue.