The original design of Weekend started off as an espresso bar but soon it became a much more versatile concept. It needed to be a place where guests of all ages can enjoy a quick breakfast, a good cappuccino or a late afternoon drink. Not only during the weekend, but seven days a week. D/DOCK is responsible for the interior design and realization of this new kid on the block and little baby sister of Restaurant Vandaag.

“We have noticed that many great espresso bars are only open during day time which seems odd to us considering the Dutch hospitality industry. We saw great potential as it is almost natural to Dutch customers to have a late afternoon drink after their coffee” explains owner Michelle Xu. The biggest challenge of the interior design was incorporating the transformation from day to night. The answer was found in the usage of light.

The walls and ceiling are covered with a pattern of panels with light behind it. During the day, the intensity and color of the light can be adjusted to the mood and time to make the transformation from day to nighttime visible. Breakfast is marked by bright green and blue colors while the bar turn orange and red at night, just like a sunset. The twelve meter long bar is also a great gesture in the space. Not only is it multifunctional with a cocktail counter, food section and beverage showcase, it also gives the space direction.

Weekend is located next to big brother Restaurant Vandaag. Other than the restaurant, the bar focuses mainly on the working local residents of the area who are in their mid thirties and all about their career. Being located across from the biggest congress center in Amsterdam, the RAI, the location is one of the main strengths of the venue.

The free Wi-Fi and the different seating typologies make Weekend a suitable place for flex working and informal meetings. The lounge area and the fireplace in the back of the space offer a cozy spot for a night out while enjoying a cocktail. Because why saving up all the fun just for the weekend?

Design by D/DOCK
Photography by Alan Jensen

http://www.contemporist.com/2013/06/27/weekend-by-ddock/