GRAY
nightclub
2023/2024
author - Povilas Šimonėlis
supervisors - Aurimas Syrusas, Sigitas Sparnaitis
The goal behind this project was to continue creative research in 2 main areas. First was the possibilities of interpreting rave culture, aesthetics in newly planned architecture. The second - refusal of “grand” (completely intentional and balanced) volume idea in favor of a more organic and shapeless form.
Working on this nightclub club, I sought to create something “hard”, maybe even brutal, but at the same time cozy, democratic and explorable. To achieve this, contrasts between different elements of composition were used. For example, massive volumes with small-scale, detailed facades or grand imposing spaces with soft interior design materials or the ability to “climb” to the top of those halls.
This academic project was located in Vilnius. It was part of the 4th year (second semester) of integrated architecture master studies.
Project Description: "Gray" Nightclub - The Materialized Echo of Industrial Spirit
Project Overview
"Gray" is a visionary nightclub project and a key architectural anchor within the larger "3000" urban vision for a post-industrial district in Vilnius. More than just a place for entertainment, it is a philosophical and architectural exploration aimed at giving tangible, built form to the fading echoes of the industrial era that still resonate within the city's contemporary culture, particularly in its club scene. It is a monument to a waning futurism, raw, sincere, and unapologetically honest.
The Concept: A Conquest of Monumentality
The core idea of "Gray" is to reinterpret industrial grandeur on a human scale, creating an "approachable and explorable monument." The design philosophy draws direct inspiration from the collective experience of rave culture:
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The Individual & The Collective: A visitor is but a single speck in a vast sea of people, yet simultaneously an integral part of a unified whole that creates a powerful sense of empowerment and belonging.
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To Explore and Conquer: The architecture invites this dynamic. It provides opportunities to "climb" onto monumental forms, "conquer" them, and experience them from unexpected, non-pompous vantage points. The goal is to make one feel like a part of the monument—that it belongs to and is subject to the individual, transforming a massive structure into a personal conquest.
Architectural Character and Materiality
True to the overarching "3000" concept, "Gray" embraces a raw, industrial material palette. The choice of inexpensive, "non-precious" materials like silicate brick, sheet metal, timber, and other utilitarian finishes is a deliberate aesthetic and philosophical statement. This approach continues the industrial narrative honestly, reinterpreting and evolving it by seeking new, human-scaled expressive possibilities within its language. The result is a structure that feels both powerfully grounded in its context and provocatively contemporary.
Spatial Experience: A Journey of Contrast
The interior and exterior planning is designed to create a continuous narrative of contrast and discovery:
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A Sequence of Atmospheres: The club features a deliberate juxtaposition of tight, compressed spaces that suddenly open into vast, expansive halls, mirroring the dynamics of electronic music and the rhythm of a night out.
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The Central Connector: A central hall with a staircase acts as the stable, connecting core of the building. It remains in the same position on every floor, providing a sense of orientation and continuity amidst the diverse spatial experiences.
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A Space for Everyone: The design aims to create a variety of niches and areas with different characters, ensuring that every visitor can find a spot that resonates with their mood.
Conclusion: The Spirit of Place, Amplified
"Gray" is not merely a designed object; it is an amplifier of the existing cultural and industrial spirit of its place. It successfully translates the intangible energy of nightlife and the memory of industry into a profound architectural experience. This project demonstrates a unique ability to weave deep cultural narrative, human-centric design, and raw aesthetic into a cohesive, powerful, and unforgettable whole, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the broader "3000" urban regeneration vision.
