The
world-famous Ibizan nightclub Pacha, that has seen the likes of legendary DJs
such as Carl Cox and Erick Morillo take the decks, has been renovated to
coincide with the brand’s 50th anniversary.
The
project was completed by the Capella García Arquitectura studio and
incorporates the application of Younique by Formica Group.
Founded in Ibiza in 1973 by Ricardo Urgell, Pacha is a household
name in the nightlife industry. The club established itself by reinventing the
concept of ‘disco’ and has remained a constant reference point ever since.
Starting in a traditional farmhouse it conquered the hearts of the
dancing public with its cosy simplicity. The brand now incorporates more than
80 venues worldwide.
The
renovation, which covers more than 2,100 m2, had a double objective: on the one
hand, to update and improve the building to meet current regulations and
standards in acoustic insulation and facilities. On the other, it was crucial
to revive the original spirit of Pacha, recovering the spatial power of the
place and maintaining its initial magic.
As pointed out by Juli Capella of Capella García Arquitectura: “We
wanted to go back to the beginning and remain faithful to the original concept
and mood Urgell captured, while giving it a much-needed refresh.
“Pacha is the antithesis of the superclub. It may have given birth
to the concept but the new design is the opposite of the big black tech box
that the contemporary nightclub has become.
“We
retained and highlighted the fragmentation of the space. We played with the
richness and fluidity; the different interconnected platforms challenge our
understanding of space while still leaving us in control of it.
“An intricate circulation pathway guides the party-goer around the
club, discovering the beauty in each area, whether a calm corner or a vibrant
dancefloor. Each clubber can find their own way and vary their experience every
time they visit.
The zonal redesign is centred around the DJ booth in the middle of
the dancefloor. The different entrance spaces have also been unified with a
central platform, surrounded by interior terraces giving views over the
dancefloor. The ceilings are inspired by the old whitewashed vaults, gifting
each space with its individual atmosphere.
The new design is sympathetic to the rural iconography of the
island, and echoes the typical architecture of rustic houses; there are no
angles, no straight lines or stark geometry. Instead all shapes are curves,
vaults, sloping walls or niches. The predominant colour is the familiar
off-white of limewash, and the surfaces are uneven, showing their character in
the light.
Another
distinctive element of the renovation can be found in the washrooms; 64 panels
of Younique by Formica Group have been installed on the cubicle walls in a
compact grade, reproducing digitally printed images of the island and the sea.
"With the toilets we allowed ourselves a touch more creative
freedom. The three washroom areas all have distinct themes. The main one boasts
imagery dedicated to the island of Ibiza itself, its beaches, villages, and the
turquoise of the sea.
“The lifesize images, custom-printed on Younique panels, transport
the viewer outdoors, allowing them to imagine for a moment they are cooling off
in the surrounding sea,” concludes Capella.
Younique by Formica Group incorporates the most advanced
technology to give designers complete creative freedom; any photograph, graphic
motif, design or work of art can be reproduced as a high-resolution image in
resistant and durable high pressure laminate. The result is an ideal material
to customise interior and exterior spaces.
