The Unforgettable Materiality of Cheval Bar in Thessaloniki / Ark4lab of Architecture

 

In the heart of Thessaloniki`s market, you can find among the retail shops the lounge bar Cheval. A two-storey bar cafe experience tends to be an ideal shopping break for those who are slaves to materiality. Near the entrance a horse-headed human figure welcomes you to the main bar made from chevron shaped concrete blocks.  

 

Rusted walls, reed panels, leather seats, hanging plants and wood are combined with a parametric 3d shaped pattern made of folded metal blocks on the top. This  contrast of rough and sharp materiality makes a contemporary  urban bar where you can find fine cocktails and stylized food. 

 

Cheval is a project dealing with what we call “nomad way of living”. The horse headed man symbolizes the new “nomads” who loves to travel mentally and physically. A collage wall of horse man journey pictures, souvenirs stick on the walls, a fireplace full of books, stands made of suitcases are details which reminds you what Rolf Potts said “If in doubt, just walk until your day becomes interesting”.