School of Design / Interior Design / Zoe Dowman / The Listening Bar

The Listening Bar

The first image looks towards the entrance. A built-in DJ booth is integrated into the bar itself, placing music at the centre of the space. The bar is designed to encourage people to gather, placing music at the centre of the space. The bar is designed to encourage people to gather, listen, and socialise, creating an environment where sound is given as much consideration as the food and drink on offer.
The material palette has been carefully selected to support the acoustic quality of the rooms. Timber, acoustic art panels and brass-finished plywood is used in place of solid metal surfaces, helping reduce reverberations while maintaining a warm and refined atmosphere.
The sound system is integrated around the room, with large speakers displayed behind the DJ, making it part of the design. A variety of seating, including high tables and more relaxed arrangements, allows visitors to enjoy views of the DJ while experiencing the music in a more focused yet social setting.

 

The second image looks at the back of the room.
Banquette seating made from recycled timber runs around the back corner of the listening bar/ The gentle curved seating back is inspired by mid-century design. Integrated cupboards and under-seat access provide space for storage for the bar. Concealed wiring allows lighting and power to be neatly incorporated
The seating creates a relaxed and social setting, encouraging people to sit for extended periods while listening to music. Following the edges of the room, it helps maximise seating capacity. Upholstered cushions also introduce a softer surface, contributing to the acoustic quality of the room

Seating
School of Design / Interior Design / Zoe Dowman / The Listening Bar

The Listening Bar

Where Sound is Given Time:

The listening bar is designed as a small, acoustically controlled space for focused, immersive listening. While typically intimate in scale, it can open out to accommodate larger events such as album launches, allowing activity to extend onto the mezzanine walkway. This enables people to gather, observe, and experience music beyond the confines of the room. Opening the space shifts the acoustic conditions, moving from a controlled listening environment to a more social acoustic environment. The adaptability of the space ensures longevity, allowing it to transition from day to night and between more intimate and collective moments.

Outside Bar: Level 2 of Trackhouse
Walls open offering flexibility