wiercinski studio mixes antiques with neon lighting to design vanity nightclub in poland

wiercinski studio has transformed a large historic building in the center of poznan into a mysterious and eclectic nightclub. the existing structure dates back to the 1930s and is listed in the city monuments register. therefore, as the polish design team could not interfere with the construction, the vanity club mixes the antique elements with contemporary steel shapes, colors and loud music.

the historic corridor with neon circles leading the way
all images © PION studio

wiercinski‘s design began by demolishing the partition walls and organizing the rooms to correspond with their appropriate function. the 5382 ft2 (500 sqm) floor plan comprises a long corridor that leads to the cloakroom, a VIP room, a cocktail room with a small dance hall, toilets, a large historic ballroom and the necessary technical rooms. 

part of the long corridor was painted abstractly by two local street artists – someart and dumin

considering the building’s heritage, it was important to leave as many of the original antique elements as possible. the entire space has been retained with the only addition being an application of dark navy blue paint. the original oak parquet floors, antique decorations on the walls and ceilings have been kept, and in the place of the demolished partitions, the raw ceilings have been left exposed, revealing the history of the place.

the ballroom with neon frozen clock

wiercinski studio custom-designed over 50 furnishings to fill the space, which were made by local craftsmen, including locksmiths, glaziers and carpenters. in the corridor, for example, they designed barstools with tables that are hung on the wall for security reasons and for easy cleaning. valuable decorations on the corridor’s ceiling are highlighted with blue neon rings. at the end of the corridor there is a grandstand for sitting and people-watching and a shotbar with a huge geometric chandelier hanging above, which the studio also designed.

close-up of the neon clock

the cocktail bar features a unique and original round common table for socializing, made of steel and finished with granite. in its center above hangs a classic crystal chandelier. along the wall, the studio designed a high bench with small stone tables for drinks. the room ends with a long steel bar counter filled with mirrors and a large hanging structure above it. most of the windows in the club have been soundproofed and covered with mirrors in the stripes, which enhances the amazing impression of historic space, reflection of lights and furniture

the shot bar

the cocktail bar is the only room in which the upper windows are left exposed so that it can also be used during the day with natural light. at the end of the premises there is a 130 sqm ballroom with a stage. here, the design team also implemented large mirrors instead of windows, a 6 meter long bar counter and a DJ station in the club’s design language. a neon sign hangs over the stage, indicating a fixed hour of 23.55 and means that time has stopped there. the original brass chandeliers that hung in this room have been restored and programmed to respond to the sounds of music.

geometric chandelier

the ballroom bar

barstools are attached onto the wall

grandstand with granite tabletops

the dancefloor with suspended neon lighting

the cocktail bar during the day

high cocktail benches

granite-topped round common table

project info:

project name: vanity club (próżność klub)

location: poznan, poland

design: wiercinski studio

size: 5382 ft2 (500 sqm)

year: 2019

photography: PION studio (basia kuligowska, przemyslaw nieciecki)

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: lynne myers | designboom