bangkok bar disguised as pawnshop indulges visitors in ambient lighting and sculptural loops

an architectural statement shrouded in social irony

‘Untitled’ is an exotic bar camouflaged as a retro pawnshop that defies expectations while challenging traditional notions of class in Bangkok, Thailand. Designers Godmother Studio and the Yolo Group have collaborated to transform an old 300 sqm pub to create a playful, ironic, yet indulgent statement bar in one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, Thonglor, by inviting curious passersby into a seemingly vibrant pawnshop which transitions into a luxury bar as they travel further in. 

Stepping inside, a stark contrast in tone defines the space, creating a dark, sophisticated ambience spotlit with subtle lighting accents, sculptural design elements, and luxury material finishes. In particular, the project is characterised by a twisted visual motif that extends throughout the space in the form of iconic copper tube frames. 

‘Untitled’ bar stands as an ironic statement in Thonglor | all images courtesy of Godmother Studio

godmother studio infuses play of light and lines in the bar

Beginning the project, Godmother Studio redesigned the facade to emulate three pawnshops from the 1960s, enlivening the street with neon signage and vibrant hues, marked by politically satirical art. The structure initially presents an illusion, falsely appearing as three individual storefronts that are entered through one opening. Aiming to spark the curiosity of passersby and invite them inside with the unusual design, the facade plays with elements of building typology. ‘We want to challenge their assumptions and make them think about class differences and inequality,’ notes the design team.

As customers enter the ‘Untitled’ bar, they walk through a passage resembling a pawnshop foyer. Marked by a set of curtains at the threshold, they are unexpectedly led into the main bar lounge which lays beyond. Inside, a 6.5 meters long marble top bar wrapped in amber lighting sits in front of a focal, ornamental wall. The wall is defined by large vertical frames punctuated with an opening through which the site’s existing steel beam pierces through. Behind this feature are a concealed service staircase and a VIP seating area.

the entrance presents itself as a pawn shop entrance lit with neon signage

sculptural copper pipes engulf bargoers

Beginning from the core bar, 4-inch tubes wrapped in a copper tone extend outwards and roll into continuously loops that snake around the space and over the bargoers. Fusing with classical design elements, the sculptural pipes intertwine with the cornice turned into a wall of frames and extend from Corinthian pillars. These structures are further highlighted with subtlety as accent lights enhance their form, intermingling with light that slowly transitions through the space controlled by a series of presets. The copper is further echoed along the table tops, enhancing the indulgent, luxury ambience of the bar. With similar ornamentation, the VIP room features a dark gray cornice frame that encircles the wall and ceiling, and a grand classical-style sofa.

the frames behind the bar form a sculptural focal point

a 6.5 meters long marble top bar

ambient indirect light fuses with dynamic transitions controlled by an intelligent lighting system

the copper colored tubes loop around Untitled Thonglor

the VIP room

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By redesigning its facade to look like a pawnshop, this building creates a sense of mystery and encourages people to explore and discover its true purpose.

The copper tube floats above the ground and rolled into continuously looping frames that also snake around columns and walls behind the banquette seat.

The VIP room also continues with a similar ornament, featuring a dark gray cornice frame that encircles the wall and ceiling and a very long classical-style sofa to make the customer feel grand.

project info:

name: Untitled

location: Thonglor, Bangkok, Thailand
architecture and interior: Godmother Studio / Kasidis Puaktes, Gunn Leelhasuwan

client: Yolo Group

lighting design: Leftover Studio / Awattha Thanaphanit, Netchanok Sompong

graphic designer: SKETCHEDBUK / Suchan Chaveewan

contractor: AQP company limited / Tanoochai Pinnimitr, Piyavat Saphakkul

artwork: SKETCHEDBUK / Suchan Chaveewan

photographer: Jirayu Rattanawong

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: ravail khan | designboom