The architectural design for the Chapeau Rouge club in Prague 1, located at Jakubská 4, respects the unique genius loci of the site, aiming to maintain the club’s historical significance while transforming its interior for modern use. The project focused on redesigning the first underground floor of the club, considering the layout of the bar, dance floor, stage, toilets, and lobby with a cloakroom, while ensuring the integration of durable materials and the club’s overall design concept across its multiple floors.
Founded in 1919, The Chapeau Rouge club, is one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in Prague. Situated in a neoclassical-secessionist building in Prague’s Old Town, the club began in a small room on the ground floor and gradually expanded into two underground floors. The club has gone through several renovations, with the most recent one focused on the first underground level.
Architects Cyril Nešleha and Dan Merta proposed a minimalist and raw design for the first underground floor, aiming to create a timeless environment suitable for electronic music. The space was cleared of previous modifications to simplify its form, making the built-in lighting the focal point. Programmable LED panels embedded in the walls create a dynamic lighting system that responds to the music, enhancing the atmosphere of the club.
To meet the functional requirements of a music club, materials were carefully selected. The bar walls are clad in glass-cement, while the shelves, cloakroom, and DJ booth are supported by metal structures covered with perforated sheet metal. The floors are finished with durable cement screed, suitable for high-traffic areas like a dance club. The toilets are made from stainless steel, ensuring both durability and ease of maintenance.
The renovation also focused on optimizing the spatial layout, improving the cloakroom and toilet capacity. By repositioning the DJ booth, more seating and resting areas were added to the rear part of the club, enhancing the comfort of visitors. Acoustics on the dance floor were improved, contributing to the overall experience of the venue.
A standout feature of the new design is the interactive LED lighting system embedded in the ceiling. The 32 custom-made, programmable LED panels were designed in collaboration with Dominik Jančík, allowing the lights to be mapped into individual segments based on a 3D model of the club. The lighting system responds to the music, evolving through algorithms, making it one of the first installations of its kind in a Czech music club.
Even the toilets were given special attention in the design process. Self-cleaning stainless steel basins with walkable grates are installed in the toilet floors, under the toilet bowls and around the urinals, ensuring cleanliness and practicality for daily operations.
The design of the first underground floor of the Chapeau Rouge club effectively combines respect for the club’s rich history with modern elements that cater to the needs of a contemporary music venue. By incorporating durable materials, improving the spatial layout, and creating a unique interactive lighting experience, the renovation enhances the club’s atmosphere while maintaining its distinctive character.
