lagranja renovates century-old istanbul brewery into the populist

spanish design firm lagranja was given the special privilege of rehabilitating one of turkey’s first breweries, opened by the bomonti brothers in istanbul a century earlier. with just under 2,000m² of space, ‘the populist’ is a craft brewery and eatery with a disobedient atmosphere motivated by political rebellion and local culture.

entrance 
all images courtesy of lagranja

lagranja’s design for ‘the populist’ creates a unique narrative, which is woven through an amalgamation of art, graphic design, and décor. drawing primarily from prohibition-era USA, walls, menus and design details bring the past to life. in addition, a large photography series portrays istanbul’s multi-cultural residents.

original brick and mortar tank converted into an indoor balcony

the restaurant and bar’s three floors are organized into six functional areas. each possesses its own personality that works as a component of the larger space. as many original details as possible were retained within the 100 year old building. improvements add a new sense of character, but like its concept, doesn’t forget its history. 

an eight meter spiral staircase connects the first and second floors 

view from the spiral staircase 

the 2^nd floor as a winter garden: glass ceiling, concrete, with a variety of vegetation outdoor elements

second floor 

‘the populist’ interior 

graphics and photography tie the space to the narrative: disobedience lead by the crowds 

terrace area 

renewed bomonti factory

front plaza 

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: nick brink | designboom