COCOONCLUB - Frankfurt 5.12.2010

A fascinating metamorphosis has been achieved. 3deluxe has shaped a dream Sven Väth has had for a very long time. Following in the tradition of his legendary club 'Omen', he aims on rede- fining what is understood as contemporary club culture and on once again turning Frankfurt into an international playground for the avant-garde of electronic music.

During the planning period which lasted for two years, Wiesbaden agency 3deluxe developed a holistic design concept, symbiotically combining architectural, multi-media and graphical elements. With its unconventional spatial and graphic designs, this interdisciplinary team of designers and architects has influenced pop culture over the past few years in the same way as Sven Väth has helped fashion its musical aspects. The result of these mutual experiences in the club scene is an extraordi- nary dialogue between music and design philosophies, which makes the new CocoonClub truly unique.

THE CLUB

In designing the 'genetic architecture' of CocoonClub, 3deluxe was inspired by biological models which are reflected in the division of space and the shape of the interior. The perforated walls of the triangular main section are reminiscent of a permeable cell membrane, whose openings permit the flow of guests between the surrounding walk-about area, the 'InBetween', and the dance area.

Located at various heights, thirteen capsule-shaped, glazed micro-rooms penetrate the membrane wall, enabling eye contact between the quieter outer area and the buzzing interior. They are modern loges, providing pri- vacy for "cocooning" in the midst of a semi-public environment.

The most striking element in the CocoonClub is undoubtedly the imposing white DJ pulpit, whose organic form seems to have grown together with the membrane wall. From their raised position, DJ and RoomJockey conduct the multi-media staging, thus controlling the momentary mood on the dance floor. The media technology, operated using specially custom- ized software, provides limitless opportunities for manipulating the atmosphere in the club.

THE INBETWEEN

'InBetween' is the atmospheric mood zone that connects the MainFloor with the two restaurants and the CocoonClub entrance area. Some 2.4 m wide, it follows the course of the membrane wall and forms a triangle around the central dance area. The Cocoons, which are accessible from here, the adjoining Lounge, as well as the wall installation with vending machines combine to make the InBetween an attractive place to linger.

MICRO

In addition to modern Eurasian fusion cuisine, the Micro ClubRestaurant offers a daily changing cultural and musical program. Even in the course of an evening Micro can display its multi-faceted nature: Its well thought out interior architecture enables various activities to be staged simultane- ously without intruding on each other.

The straight lines of the cube-shaped furniture and the exclusive use of dark wood give the interior its captivating qualities. The graphic grains in the bamboo surfaces together with their relief-like structure are particu- larly fascinating.

A space-filling grid of silver fiberglass tubes that hang down from the ceiling further emphasizes the geometry of the design. In order to break up its linear severity, the fiber matrix is superimposed with complex multi- media ornamentation. These aesthetic beamer projections move in coor- dination with the music – thereby illustrating the various three-dimensional sound spaces, which the DJ produces simultaneously. They illustrate the evening's musical dramatics.

SILK

In BedRestaurant Silk, eating and drinking is elevated to the level of an artistic ceremony based on Asian and ancient eating habits. Guests enter an atmospheric reception room, where they remove their shoes and put on textile footwear. This Asian ritual emphasizes the private atmosphere of this exclusive restaurant, and gives guests the impression that they are in for an unusual gastronomic experience.

From the entrance, visitors are led to one of eight large couch areas separated from each other by gauze curtains. On each of the upholstered elements there is room for up to nine persons to either lie or sit. The exquisite food and drink is served on fine glass trays, and can be placed in deposits in the beds' surrounding arm rests.

Constantly changing light immerses the double-layered white gauze in harmonious shades of color, influencing the mood of the guests. Between the gauze layers, filigree metal ornaments form an attractive eye-catcher. The sound atmosphere created by the DJ is reminiscent of the Far East, and creates a perfect harmony with the tasteful sensations of the first- class Eurasian cuisine.