From the remnants of a communist-era apartment in Bucharest to a vibrant pink Australian bar designed to mimic the interior of a colossal speaker,listening bars have become a global phenomenon.These spaces, rooted in Japan during the late 1920s, have evolved into intimate settings where people gather to drink, socialize, and, most importantly, immerse themselves in music.
Known as hi-fi or audiophile bars, these venues have gained popularity worldwide. They are typically equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and extensive collections of vinyl records, offering a unique auditory experience. This trend has inspired architects and designers to create interiors that resonate with the essence of these beloved spaces.
One standout example is the kioku Bar, located on the ground floor of London’s OWO hotel.Designed by local studio Pirajean Lees, this single-room sake bar captures the memories of head chef Endo Kazutoshi’s life in Japan and Spain. The interior features deep red dado and natural clay walls, complemented by textured timber accents, creating a low-lit, cozy atmosphere. A custom-made solid wood turntable in one corner allows guests to play selections from Endo’s personal collection of Japanese records.
The rise of listening bars is more than a trend—it’s a cultural movement. These spaces celebrate the art of listening, offering a sanctuary where music enthusiasts can connect through shared auditory experiences. Weather it’s the warm ambiance of Kioku Bar or the bold design of an Australian speaker-inspired venue, each listening bar tells a story through its interior design and curated soundscapes.
As these bars continue to spread globally, they invite us to rethink how we experience music. They remind us that sound is not just a background element but a central force that can shape our environment, our interactions, and our memories.
Bar Ton,Romania,by Anda zota and Muromuro Studio
In the heart of Bucharest,a former music shop has been reimagined into a modern hi-fi bar by local designers Anda Zota and muromuro Studio.Nestled on the ground floor of a communist-era apartment block, Bar Ton is a harmonious blend of history and contemporary design.
The space retains its original charm, with marble mosaic floors and four sturdy concrete pillars preserved as a nod to its past. Between one pair of pillars, a timber unit houses the main DJ booth, while birch plywood record shelves are seamlessly integrated between the other two. This thoughtful design ensures that music remains the focal point,both visually and experientially.
“The overarching concept was about putting the music at the centre, both physically and conceptually,” explained Zota. The result is a space that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in a unique auditory experience.
Jam Record Bar, Sydney, by Akin Atelier
Sydney’s Jam Record Bar, designed by Akin Atelier, is a festivity of music and community. This intimate space combines a record store with a bar, creating a hub for music lovers to gather, listen, and connect.
The design features warm, earthy tones and natural materials, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Custom-built shelves display an extensive vinyl collection, while a central bar serves as the social heart of the venue. the layout encourages exploration and interaction, making it a perfect spot for both casual visitors and dedicated audiophiles.
“We wanted to create a space where music and people come together naturally,” saeid the team at Akin Atelier. The result is a welcoming environment that feels both personal and communal, reflecting the universal appeal of music.
Learn more about Jam Record Bar ›
JAM Record Bar: A sonic Oasis in Sydney
Table of Contents
- 1. JAM Record Bar: A sonic Oasis in Sydney
- 2. Upstairs Lounge: A Brooklyn Gem
- 3. Goodbye Horses: A Harmonious Blend of Design and Acoustics
- 4. Upstairs Lounge: A Sonic Oasis in Brooklyn
- 5. Space Talk: A Sonic and Visual Journey in London’s Clerkenwell
- 6. how do the three featured venues demonstrate a commitment to sustainability in their design and operations?
- 7. Goodbye Horses by Leopold Banchini Architects
- 8. Upstairs Lounge at Public Records
- 9. Anima by Grzywinski+Pons
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, the JAM Record Bar is a vibrant homage to Tokyo’s iconic listening bars. Designed by Kelvin Ho of Akin Atelier and owned by Justin Hemmes, this unique venue combines music, design, and cocktails into an unforgettable experience. The bar’s bold hot pink aesthetic and carefully curated acoustics make it a standout destination for music lovers and design enthusiasts alike.
Ho and his team meticulously crafted the space to optimize sound quality, using materials like pink fibreglass insulation panels and sound-absorbing cork. These elements not only enhance the auditory experience but also contribute to the bar’s striking visual identity. Despite its compact size, JAM Record Bar boasts an impressive library of 15,000 vinyl records, neatly housed in custom-built plywood shelving that wraps around the central bar.
“JAM is designed to feel like you are drinking a cocktail inside a giant speaker box – but pink,” Ho explained, capturing the essence of the bar’s immersive atmosphere.The layout is divided into distinct zones, each offering a unique perspective on the space while maintaining a cohesive design language.
Whether you’re a vinyl aficionado or simply looking for a stylish spot to unwind, JAM Record Bar delivers an experience that’s as much about sound as it is about sight. Its innovative use of materials and thoughtful design make it a must-visit destination in Sydney’s bustling nightlife scene.
Upstairs Lounge: A Brooklyn Gem
In the vibrant neighborhood of Gowanus, Brooklyn, the Upstairs Lounge stands as a testament to the creative vision of Shane Davis and Francis Harris. This intimate space, housed within the Public Records venue, offers a cozy retreat for music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.The design seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with modern touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
The lounge’s warm lighting, plush seating, and carefully curated decor invite guests to relax and immerse themselves in the music. Whether you’re enjoying a handcrafted cocktail or exploring the venue’s eclectic vinyl collection, Upstairs Lounge provides a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Both JAM Record Bar and Upstairs Lounge exemplify how thoughtful design and a passion for music can transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.These venues are not just bars—they are cultural hubs that celebrate the art of listening and the joy of discovery.
Goodbye Horses: A Harmonious Blend of Design and Acoustics
Nestled in the heart of northeast London’s De Beauvoir neighborhood, goodbye Horses is a wine and listening bar that redefines the concept of a modern social space. Designed by the acclaimed Swiss studio Leopold Banchini Architects, this unique venue is a testament to craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
What sets Goodbye Horses apart is its meticulous use of materials.Every element of the bar, from the custom-made shelves that house an eclectic collection of records to the furniture, was crafted from a single oak tree. This approach not only creates a cohesive aesthetic but also underscores the studio’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.
The design pays homage to traditional English pubs, blending classic charm with contemporary sensibilities. The space features a hand-textured lime plaster ceiling and beaten earth flooring, both chosen for their exceptional acoustic properties. these materials work in harmony to create an immersive auditory experience, making it the perfect spot for music enthusiasts to unwind and enjoy curated playlists.
Goodbye Horses is more than just a bar—it’s a sensory journey. The interplay of textures, materials, and sound transforms the space into a haven for those seeking a unique blend of culture and relaxation. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of fine wine or flipping through a stack of vinyl records, the atmosphere invites you to linger and savor the moment.
Discover more about Goodbye Horses ›
Upstairs Lounge: A Sonic Oasis in Brooklyn
In the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn,Public Records has introduced a new dimension to its music-driven social space with the addition of the Upstairs Lounge. This listening bar and lounge, located on the venue’s upper floor, is a celebration of sound and design.
The space is designed to enhance the auditory experience, with undulated walls that bounce music around the room, creating a dynamic soundscape. Large subwoofer speakers ensure that every note is felt as much as it is heard. The seating arrangement includes cream leather banquettes and black ceramic and foam stools, offering a mix of comfort and style for visitors.
Upstairs Lounge is more than just a place to listen to music—it’s a curated experience. Alex Reeds can browse through a selection of records and CDs, choosing their own soundtrack for the evening. The combination of thoughtful design and high-quality acoustics makes it a must-visit destination for music lovers.
Learn more about Upstairs Lounge ›
Anima, Germany, by Grzywinski+Pons
Nestled in the heart of Berlin, Anima is a unique fusion of a restaurant and audiophile bar, located on the ground floor of the Locke at East Side Gallery hotel. Designed by the acclaimed New York-based architecture studio Grzywinski+Pons, this space is a haven for music enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
Anima’s design is a celebration of sound and sustainability. The interior showcases a thoughtfully curated material palette, blending subtle hues with tactile textures. Locally sourced bricks, crafted from recycled sand and lime, form the foundation of built-in seating and planters, adding a touch of eco-conscious elegance.The space is further enhanced by large, sandy-hued speakers flanking white shelving units brimming with vinyl records, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Space Talk: A Sonic and Visual Journey in London’s Clerkenwell
Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant clerkenwell district, space Talk is a hi-fi bar that redefines the art of immersive experiences. designed by the acclaimed EBBA Architects in collaboration with British designer Charlotte Taylor, this unique venue is a celebration of sound, light, and atmosphere.
The bar is thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, each offering a unique sensory journey. From curated playlists to carefully designed lighting, every detail encourages visitors to explore the space as the evening unfolds. The eclectic interior blends vintage furniture with modern acoustic panels and woodblock columns, creating a harmonious balance between nostalgia and innovation.
“Space Talk is more than just a bar—it’s an experience that engages all the senses,” says a spokesperson for the project.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night out, Space Talk promises an unforgettable adventure. The interplay of sound and light transforms the space into a dynamic environment, making it a must-visit destination in London.
Find out more about Space Talk ›
how do the three featured venues demonstrate a commitment to sustainability in their design and operations?
The text you’ve provided is a beautifully written exploration of several unique, design-forward spaces that blend architecture, music, and sensory experiences. Each venue—Goodbye Horses, Upstairs Lounge, and Anima—showcases a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and immersive design. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Goodbye Horses by Leopold Banchini Architects
- Location: De Beauvoir, London
- Design Philosophy: A bar that combines customary English pub charm with contemporary design, crafted entirely from a single oak tree.
- Materials: Custom-made shelves, furniture, and hand-textured lime plaster ceilings with beaten earth flooring for remarkable acoustics.
- Experience: A sensory journey that invites visitors to enjoy curated playlists,fine wine,and vinyl records in a cohesive,lasting space.
- Learn more: Discover Goodbye Horses
Upstairs Lounge at Public Records
- Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn
- Design Philosophy: A music-driven listening bar and lounge designed to enhance auditory experiences.
- Features: Undulated walls for dynamic soundscapes, large subwoofer speakers, and a mix of cream leather banquettes and black ceramic stools.
- Experience: Alex Reeds can browse records and CDs, curating their own soundtrack in a space that blends comfort and style.
- Learn More: Explore Upstairs Lounge
Anima by Grzywinski+Pons
- Location: Berlin, Germany (within the Locke at East Side Gallery hotel)
- Design Philosophy: A fusion of a restaurant and audiophile bar, emphasizing sustainability and sound.
- Materials: Locally sourced bricks made from recycled sand and lime, sandy-hued speakers, and white shelving units filled with vinyl records.
- Experience: A warm, inviting atmosphere for music and design lovers, blending tactile textures with subtle hues.
- Learn More: Discover Anima
These spaces exemplify how thoughtful design can create immersive environments that engage the senses, celebrate music, and prioritize sustainability. Each venue offers a unique experience, whether it’s the cohesive materiality of Goodbye Horses, the dynamic acoustics of Upstairs Lounge, or the eco-conscious elegance of Anima.
