A new venue has opened in Łódź that redefines the way we think about theatre spaces – not as a transit area, but as a fully-fledged meeting place. In the basement of the Jaracz Theatre, where an intimate café had operated for years, Piekłostan has been created: a cocktail bar designed by the LUVA architecture studio.
The presence of a café space is a staple of every theatre or cinema. It is here that one can wait in peace for a performance or a screening, or chat with friends about what we have just witnessed. In the basement of the Jaracz Theatre in Łódź, the old café has undergone a metamorphosis, creating an attractive meeting place.
The transformation of the premises did not involve a radical break with the past, but rather a creative reinterpretation of it. Architect Joanna Fabjańska was tasked with transforming a small, windowless space into a place with a distinctive character. Instead of masking the limitations, she decided to make use of them. The lack of natural light became the starting point for creating an interior steeped in deep red – a colour that fosters intimacy and emphasises the theatrical context. It was this decision that gave Piekłostan an almost cinematic atmosphere: dense, saturated, inviting you to immerse yourself in an evening ambience, regardless of the time of day.
From the outset, the project was based on the principles of responsible design. In the spirit of zero waste, it was decided to make the most of the venue’s existing structure. The functional layout was not altered, walls were not knocked down, and floors were not replaced. Instead, the focus was on giving the space a new identity through the conscious use of colour, light and texture.
The most distinctive feature – a 1990s bar made of red glass blocks – was not concealed. On the contrary: its charm was emphasised by running an LED strip along the top edge, which highlights the glass structure and gives the whole space a contemporary, club-like feel.
A balanced transformation
The monochromatic base is broken up by textures and accents that build the drama of the interior. Velvet curtains evoke associations with a theatre curtain, whilst spherical lamps create a soft, diffused aura. Cobalt appears in the details, providing a cool counterpoint to the red and adding depth and clarity to the composition.
This interior does not flaunt its decorative qualities. Its strength lies in its consistency and coherence, thanks to which even a small space acquires the character of a place with its own distinct personality.
The bar opens the theatre
Piekłostan is not merely an aesthetic realisation. It is a well-thought-out response to the changing needs of culture lovers. The bar is open both before and after performances, offering signature cocktails – including non-alcoholic versions – as well as coffee and desserts. Importantly, it also operates on days when there are no performances, becoming an independent landmark on the map of Łódź.
The venue’s programme includes intimate concerts, meetings with artists, performances and a book discussion club. This is a deliberate step towards opening the institution up to younger generations who are looking for informal yet high-quality meeting spaces.
The result of this transformation is an interior that is cosy, intimate, yet distinctive. A place that allows you to momentarily step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enter an atmosphere of focus, conversation and anticipation. Piekłostan becomes a natural extension of the theatre – not merely as a backdrop, but as an equal element of its contemporary identity.
interior transformation: Joanna Fabjańska – LUVA architecture
photos: Przestrzenie.Fotografia Daria Wyroślak
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