parametric and oriental meet together in hookah bar by kman studio in sofia

parametric and oriental meet together in hookah bar by kman studio in sofia
(above) 7456 wooden cylinders generate the parametric ceiling
all images courtesy of kman studio / © tsvetomir dzhermanov

local-based practice kman studio was appointed to design the interior of a traditional oriental hookah bar in sofia, bulgaria. to do so, they looked for references in the ‘one thousand and one nights’ stories, and in the intricate geometric patterns adorning classical islamic architecture.

enjoying hookah is a social rather than individual experience, in which friends share a pipe around a table over hours, having long conversations, playing board games, or simply enjoying their company. thus, the main focus was the lounge area, around which a custom 3D printed sculptural ceiling wraps gently and provides a careful yet fluid balance between privacy and openness. the result is an elegant and welcoming space where traditional patterns play with modern technologies and design techniques.

the furniture’s organic shape allows for simple and intuitive reconfigurations

generated by 7456 wooden cylinders, the shape is in constant play with the ground following the curvatures on the floor and emphasizing the contours. the furniture’s organic shapes allow for a simple and intuitive reconfiguration of the space, depending on the size of the group and their desire to isolate themselves or stay in contact with the rest of the bar. the entrance is defined as a separate volume, forming a buffering zone between the noisy street and the abstract atmosphere inside.

during the summer, the bar can be opened towards the garden

the ceiling waves follow the curvatures of the lounge area

the bar is located at the end of the volume allowing the focus to fall on the lounge area

wooden oriental pattern

enjoying hookah is a social rather than individual experience

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom