Overview
Design studio NM3 has executed the interior for Bar Bardo, intended as a "truly classic bar for Milan." Located in the Italian city, the venue features a bespoke, red-hued interior scheme that engages twentieth-century architectural precedents.
Research Context
The historical foundation for the interior is Adolf Loos's American Bar in Vienna. Completed in 1908, the Viennese bar stands as an influential landmark of early modernism, serving as a recognized typological reference for hospitality interiors.
Approach
In developing Bar Bardo, NM3 drew inspiration from Loos's 1908 venue without producing a literal replica. As noted by the studio, the historical interior functioned as a conceptual guide rather than a precise blueprint:
"The American Bar was more of an aspiration than a direct [...]"
Using this benchmark, NM3 formulated a custom red-toned atmosphere tailored specifically for Milan's local context.