Albertina Passage
Underground experience
One of the biggest challenges in the conversion of the Albertina Passage was the transformation of a closed-down pedestrian subway in the heart of Vienna into a modern dinner club for up to 300 people. The goal was to design a club that is just as suitable for an elegant dinner as it is for a fancy party night. Accordingly, the design includes and combines different functions such as live music, an exclusive restaurant and a lounge. The exit to the Albertina Passage is located directly in front of the Vienna State Opera. The design of the entrance area is based on its former function as an underground pedestrian passage.
Futuristic core
The centrepiece of the Albertina Passage is a white "sculpture". It combines the main functions of a dinner club and is simultaneously a stage, DJ booth, bar and lounge. Its futuristic design and organic, rounded shape are characteristic and contribute to the unique atmosphere. To ensure a perfect view to the stage, the tables have been arranged on three platforms of different heights. From here, one can see directly to the dance area. By locating the stage and the dance floor in the middle of the room, a very special intimacy for the dining area is created at the same time, without excluding it.
Location
1010 Vienna, Austria
Year
2010 - 2011
Category
Gastronomy
Photography
Severin Wurnig
Lighting design
Christian Ploderer
Commissioned by
Albertina Passage Betriebs GmbH
A dinner club to discover
The design of the Albertina Passage combines modern elements with classical details. The sculpture appears futuristic, while the dining area is mainly inspired by the American bar tradition of the 1950s and 1960s. Quentin Tarantino's "Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Contest" from the movie "Pulp Fiction" served as inspiration.
Cast from the mould
The stage is made of Corian , a multifunctional material that can be thermoformed three-dimensionally and joined seamlessly. Its special texture creates the impression that the stage is made of one piece - as if the entire sculpture had been cast from a mould. In contrast is the wall design with purple-pink, velvety, three-dimensional protruding elements in which light and shadow interplay.
