Albertina Passage \ Söhne & Partner Architects

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

The main challenge at Albertina Passage was to recreate an abandoned pedestrian underpass at the very center of Vienna into a modern dinner club for up to 300 persons. Our target was to design a club that is suitable for an elegant dinner as well as for a big party night. Hence, the design includes live music, a restaurant and a lounge. Our idea was to include these functions in one concept.

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

The centerpiece of our design is a white sculpture which includes main functions like the stage for live music, the DJ Pult, two bars as well as a lounge area in the back. The seats and dining tables are aligned just around of this center. In order to guarantee a perfect view to the stage also from behind they are adjusted on three steps. We connected the dance floor quite in front of the stage which is another eye catcher for the people sitting around. Furthermore due to this position the dining area achieves more intimacy without being excluded from the action.

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

The entrance reminds of the former function of the Albertina Passage. People enter the dinner club just in front of the Vienna State Opera and are guided through stairs and kind of an s-shaped “tunnel” into the main area passing the reception and the cloakroom. The first thing which guests see is again the center with the stage. Our design consists of modern elements combined with classic details. While the sculpture appears very futuristic the design of the dining area is inspired by American bar tradition from the 1950s and 1960s. Role model was Quentin Tarantino’s “Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Contest” from his film “Pulp Fiction”.

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

The material of our main design object is Corian, one of the most multifunctional materials. A big advantage of this material is that it allowed us to make one whole surface. This can be experienced optically and haptically. Unlike our modern centerpiece we wanted to create a contrast to it when we designed the walls. Hence, we decided to use a warm material in opposition to the Corian. The walls are shaped in a 3-D design which plays with the lights and shadows.

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

All in all the Albertina Passage seems to be a place full of inconsistency only at first glance. However, on closer examination its elements assemble as a whole. Albertina Passage is Vienna’s first dinnerclub. It is a club to be experienced and which is not to be discovered in the first place.

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

Albertina Passage, image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects | Photo by Severin Wurnig

+ About Söhne & Partner Architects

Architecture

Our architecture is as unique as our clients

Image courtesy Söhne & Partner Architects

A building must always engage in a dialogue – with its surroundings and the people who use it. Our architecture is always tailored to the needs of the people who live, work or spend their leisure time in our buildings. We also pay attention to our buildings’ surroundings, and use them as a source of inspiration. Because the brief, site and client are never the same twice over, every project is unique – and so are our solutions.

Services

People are always free to question what we are doing

We take a structured approach to problems, and solve them creatively. Ideas are only as good as their ability to overcome challenges and meet needs. Even at the preliminary design phase, we use virtual reality tools to visualise projects, so as to respond to your wishes. We are not just designers but project managers, too. As our client you can rest assured that we will deliver a solution that is both creative and professionally executed.

Partners

We keep projects on track

Our network of external partners allows us to assemble interdisciplinary teams that are precisely tailored to your needs and the expertise that is required. Our office in one of Vienna’s most vibrant areas inspires us and helps us to collaborate with other creative people. This, and our second office in Tyrol enables us to provide you with personal service throughout Austria. We cooperate with local partners on our international projects, meaning that we can always offer you professional support, wherever you are.

+ Project facts

Albertina Passage
A place for fun, a place for pleasure

Designer: Söhne & Partner Architekten
Photographer: Severin Wurnig

Planer:
Lichtdesign: Christian Ploderer
Haustechnik: Thermoprojekt
Elektrotechnik: TB Vanheelen
Küchenplanung: Metos
Akustische Gutachten: Rosinak & Partner
Soundsystem: Amenti
Ausführende Firmen:
Abbrucharbeiten: Prajo
Baufirma: Voitl
HKLS: Wieselthaler
Elektro: Hornung
Tischler: M&G und Maylan
Fliesen: Ortner
Maler: Schmied
Schlosser: Krobath
Küche: Metos
Terrazzo: Petz
Stoffe: Backhausen
Soundsystem: Amenti
Aufzug: Kone
Polsterer: Roland Hurnaus

+ All images and drawings courtesy Söhne & Partner Architekten | Photo by Severin Wurnig