Project Info
Project Name: Bar Far
Architects: Studio Strato
Location: Rome, Italy
Neon signage punctuates heritage facade announcing theatrical interior transformation
Rome is a city obsessed with eternity and stone. In this context of ancient permanence, Studio Strato has chosen to celebrate the fleeting moment. Bar Far is a temporary installation that approaches architecture not as a monument but as a set design. The project occupies a compact footprint in the capital and treats the drinking experience as a scene from a mid-century Italian film. The architects have successfully crafted a space that feels intimate yet undeniably dramatic.
Sculptural figures emerge from plaster walls blurring architecture and performance
The design language is defined by a bold use of color blocking. Studio Strato has rejected the safety of neutrals in favor of a saturated palette that includes deep greens, dusty pinks, and electric blues. These colors are not applied randomly. They are used to zone the space and guide the movement of the visitor. The transition between different colored areas creates a sense of depth that betrays the small physical size of the venue.
Arched niches frame seating alcoves supported by anthropomorphic table legs
The concept of "The Domestic Stage" drives the furniture selection and layout. The bar does not feel like a commercial entity. It resembles an eccentric private living room that has been opened to the street. The architects utilized a mix of custom joinery and vintage pieces to create a layered aesthetic. This eclectic approach allows the space to feel lived in and warm despite its temporary nature. The counter itself is treated as the protagonist of the room. It acts as the hearth where social interaction is concentrated.
Chained hands encircle aperture revealing gradient red light beyond
Mirrors play a critical role in the spatial strategy of Bar Far. Studio Strato placed large reflective surfaces on the walls and ceilings to visually double the volume of the room. This technique creates a disorienting yet delightful effect where the boundaries of the architecture seem to dissolve. The reflection captures the movement of the guests and the bartenders to turn the entire room into a kinetic painting.
Rhythmic arcade of illuminated voids creates perspectival depth through color
The lighting design is moody and precise. Instead of washing the space in uniform brightness, the studio opted for low level ambient lighting and focused spotlights. This creates pockets of shadow and mystery that encourage private conversations. The light interacts with the glossy surfaces of the lacquered wood and the brass details to add a layer of sparkle to the evening atmosphere.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jasper Fry
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