BARRIO NORTH.

The inspiration for Barrio North derives from client Ferdie Ahmed's love of hispanic culture and music. However, situated in Islington North London it couldn't be further physically from the sun and warmth of the places it has taken its inspiration from.

Formally 'The Warrick', the site for Barrio is a long narrow space with light to the front elevation only. Conceptually the main issues were how to draw people into the space. Traditionally, all around the area many many bars and pubs operate, most have large facias, square plots with lots of natural light, the key to the project was to offer something different from its contemporaries as it was unable to compete with their physical prowess. Two simple moves were made on plan, firstly; the removal of the cellar from the front, which in turn opened up the facade, and secondly; the shifting of the male wc's further into the site, pushing the services back and the users forwards towards the front and the bar. Then we added a caravan

Client: Ferdie Ahmed
Locations: Islington, London

Design Team: Steve Jensen, Sigrid Andest.