On Łąkowa Street in Gdansk in the interior of the former Royal Rifle Factory there is a happy place - Meadow Happy Bar. Here you will not only relax on deck chairs, old-fashioned sofas or at old school desks, but you can also sit comfortably on furniture by Polish brand Tabanda. Everyone will eat here - from carnivores to vegans!
The austere, post-industrial interior of the Gdansk bistro is warmed not only by the contemporary Polish design, but also by the carpets spread here and there, wooden rafters, plants standing on almost every windowsill and colors. Filip Kozarski of the IPA studio is responsible for the interior design. The architect did not dominate with his design the existing space, which is still dominated by cast iron columns, brick walls and floors. Unhindered, one can still marvel at interiors that remember the old days. The space, is complemented by two Tabanda designs - an army of TROJKA chairs in various colors and GINKA armchairs located in the relaxation area. Piotr Chludzinski, owner of the bistro, talks about the Happy Bar Meadow.
Basia Hyjek: What was the main inspiration for this project?
Piotr Chludzinski: The main inspiration was the atmosphere of Berlin's Kreuzberg district, where establishments with cuisines from all over the world intermingle with local stores, galleries, creating unconventional meeting places for residents, while maintaining respect for the buildings in which they are built.
We were keen to show as much of the history of the place as possible, interweaving found elements with new ones to achieve an informal, friendly character of the premises
© Tabanda
Basia: What were your expectations and needs?
Piotr: The basic idea was to create a place with a calm, relaxed atmosphere and great possibilities for various space arrangements - for the restaurant, but also for meetings, exhibitions and other events.
Basia: Where did you get the idea for such a combination of colors, patterns and materials?
Piotr: The project was mainly created by Filip Kozarski, my long-time friend and architect, with whom I have been working for years. This time we tried to play together with the arrangement of the old forge of the Royal Rifle Factory. We wanted to show as much of the history of the place as possible, interweaving the found elements with new ones to achieve an informal, friendly character of the premises. Hence the choice of materials - from the need to create a diverse, colorful, infinite place - allowing it to change and grow.
The challenge was and is to open a restaurant in such a beautiful, but forgotten place as the Royal Rifle Factory in the Lower City
© Tabanda
Basia: What gave you the most satisfaction in creating this project, and what was the biggest challenge?
Piotr: Creating! I love creating, I could only do it! That's why I can't stop thinking about other projects, in other places. The challenge was and is to open a restaurant in such a beautiful but forgotten place as the Royal Rifle Factory in the Lower Town. We look to the future with pride, creating a new positive quality in the neighborhood.
