VERSACE x PANTHEON

A new lounge bar inhabits a lower niche of a gridded box that is John Portman's Yintai Centre; the most prominent Beijing CBD office and retail complex.

Pantheon — furnished by the Versace Home collection, the new lounge bar takes inspiration from Versace's roots weaving Greek mythology and Roman history, giving a new interpretation to a modern home of the gods

Breaking the grid, a sliver of stone angles out from the façade, subtle yet different, the revealed recess is clad with a riot of patterned color that's an indication of the lavish interior to come.

Within; guests are faced with a darkened antechamber terminated by a suspended writhe of a metallic snake. Deeply detailed and resolved at the tinniest detail, the snake belies its object orientation and holds use beyond the decorative, Lidars sensor, stepper motors actuate the soft robotic form detecting as users approach if a glass is placed beneath the head upon the basin, the snake dispenses a shot of vodka. A most surprising twist to what should be a decorative feature only.

Darkened timber doors part the scene beyond the antechamber, pulsing lights stab the fogged atmosphere, whilst a clear architectonic and symmetry focus the eye upon the central space, vaulted ceiling pockets of concealed lights allude to the Roman Pantheon, hierarchy order rhythm.

Ahead lies an altar for the master of ceremonies; the DJ, flanked by sumptuous lounge chairs and sofas raised on pedestals, a clear and intended realm of the privileged. This is conspicuous consumption, guests there to see and be seen. The remaining space is punctuated by darkened corners for revelers to conceal and steal themselves away and an illuminated bar highlighted by a backdrop of red travertine.