bureau A builds a micro modular nightclub for the 2016 lisbon triennale

conceived as an architecture dedicated to sound experience, THE CLUB is a house-like installation designed by bureau A for the 2016 lisbon triennale. the project is described by the studio as a ‘noise cabin’, capable of hosting a small group of people (around 25) for a devoted and dense dancing event.

the installation is capable of hosting a small group of people for a devoted and dense dancing event
all images by dylan perrenoud, courtesy of bureau A

capable of being organized into a variety of different forms, THE CLUB is composed of a collection of geometrically shaped ‘building block’ speakers. this travelling sound system, in the jamaican tradition, adapts to a diverse range of situations and generates through its architectural presence a particular relation to the context in which it stands. the full composition is made up of a DJ booth, loudspeakers, a bar and entrance area.

THE CLUB is composed of a collection of geometrically shaped ‘building block’ speakers

the modulated components of THE CLUB means it can easily transform to fit its environment, and is capable of taking a number of different architectural forms. having produced five events for the lisbon triennale, each in a different venue, the adaptability of THE CLUB is, for bureau A, essential to its success. ‘the choice of the hosting spaces has been an important part of the project,’ explains the studio. ‘reflecting on the history of techno music, some forgotten spaces of the city left without purpose have been brought back to life for a night, the time of a party’.

the modulated components of THE CLUB means it can easily transform to fit its environment

in many cases, THE CLUB takes on a house-like shape, transforming each of its host venues into a one-night-only travelling nightclub. locations occupied during the lisbon triennale have included the palacio pombal, mae d’agua, the ancient prison of trafaria, the old maritime station and the palacio sinel de cordes. the matte black presentation of the installation and its brooding malleability makes for an atmospheric addition to the city’s locales, almost classical in its dark presence. the sculptural form of the components establishes a specific and unique dialogue with each one of its five architectural contexts, ensuring a site responsive musical experience wherever it happens to find itself. 

in many cases, THE CLUB takes on a house-like shape

the sculptural form of the components establishes a unique dialogue with each one of its architectural contexts

mood art for the installation demonstrates it moody ambience 

for bureau A, the context of the installation is just as important as THE CLUB itself

the modular intervention breathes new life into disused urban spaces

the sound system is the formwork of this volume, a sort of micro-monument

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: peter corboy | designboom