This cosy space, measuring just 21 square metres, served as the starting point for the architects to create one of the most distinctive venues in Toruń’s Old Town. In a 14th-century Gothic townhouse, Studio Akurat has created an interior centred on a sense of closeness – one in which the central bar island becomes a natural meeting point, and every element of the space is designed to enhance the visitors’ experience. This is a design that does not imitate repetitive bar concepts, but forges its own, original identity.
The first impression is striking: the narrow, elongated venue draws the eye towards the central bar island, which organises the flow of people and defines how the space functions. The architects deliberately abandoned the traditional division between the guest area and the back-of-house, creating a space where the barman is the host, rather than merely a person standing behind the counter. Short visits, spontaneous encounters and quick interactions between guests and staff have become the cornerstone of the concept.
A clear layout
The unusual shape of the premises necessitated a departure from standard solutions. The dominant feature of the space is the bar, which is complemented by high tables and worktops for standing guests. The latter are situated both at the central bar andin recesses along the walls. The architects designated two colour zones: a navy blue area for guests and a cherry-red sanitary zone. Due to the limited floor space, all technical functions were concealed within the joinery, which helped to maintain the fluidity of the space and allow for unobstructed movement.
The shape of the premises did not allow for the use of typical functional solutions characteristic of bars; however, this provided an opportunity to challenge established conventions and reflect on the guests’ experience and their relationship with the barman – explains architect Maciej Ryniewicz, founder of the Akurat studio.
A complete refurbishment revealed the only valuable existing feature: the wooden ceiling. It is this that became the backdrop for the interior’s most spectacular feature – a neon sign in which a cherry-coloured sphere (the brand’s trademark) is surrounded by luminous orbits. The composition is framed by a perforated steel facet, creating an effect of suspension between history and the present day. This original feature not only adorns the interior but also serves as a reminder of the venue’s location. The appearance of the luminous orbits evokes associations that naturally lead to the city of Nicolaus Copernicus.
A whimsical machine
The central island is a key element of the entire spatial design. Its form strikes a balance between a whimsical structure and a contemporary interpretation of 19th-century details. Combined with rows of bottles and neon accents, it forms the focal point of the interior – intense, eye-catching and memorable.
All the furniture and fittings were made to order. In the toilet, the designers have included subtle references to the tenement’s and the city’s medieval heritage: the copper knobs finishing off the washbasin and the octagonal mirror with its fractured pane create an atmosphere of a light-hearted interplay with history.
We have combined the axial composition of the interior, details inspired by 19th-century aesthetics, the dominant role of the rows of Wiśniewski bottles and the neon accents into a new, cohesive whole – emphasises Marcin Kulesza from the Akurat studio.
The energy of the opening
The venue is situated in one of the busiest spots in the Old Town. Its proximity to restaurants, cultural venues and the tourist trail means it fits naturally into city life. During the opening, which took place on 21 March, the space quickly filled with guests. The bar – a communal ‘table’ – became the centre of attention, and the evening unfolded in a relaxed atmosphere. What the architects and the brand have been emphasising for years was palpable: openness, sincerity and sociability as the foundation of the experience. The venue in Toruń has joined the six others already in the brand’s portfolio in Poland.
design: Studio Akurat
photos: Studio archives
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