A bold Ukrainian vision in Shoreditch
Nestled within the historic Imperial Hall in Shoreditch, FlipDog introduces a striking Ukrainian aesthetic, courtesy of YOD Group. Rather than mimic East London’s conventional bar designs, this two-story venue seamlessly integrates innovative Ukrainian artistry with surrealist flair from WAONE and exquisite lighting by Expolight.
Ground floor: A transparent transformation
From the street, the ground floor offers a unique invitation. Twelve seats face expansive arched windows, welcoming gazes into the mixology laboratory. Silver-toned foil walls reflect natural light, while sleek steel arches lead guests inside. Warm leather accents add a retro-futuristic touch without resorting to traditional nostalgia.
Above, a precision lighting system by Expolight theatrically illuminates cocktails the moment they are placed, making this innovative feature both a visual delight and a functional triumph.
Basement: An immersive experience
Descend into an atmospheric basement, where semi-darkness sets the stage. Rich cobalt blue, vibrant yellows, and reds intermingle with metal, wood, and leather, crafting an environment that feels both dense and invigorating. The standout? A custom circular sink exhibiting a vintage loggerhead in glycerine, blurring the line between historical artifact and modern design.
Surrealism meets mixology: WAONE’s imprint
WAONE’s exclusive fabric print upholsters the sofa niches, blending street art with intimate interior design. His trademark surrealist motifs infuse the space with philosophical and mythological undertones, transforming the artistic temporalities into tactile experiences.
Artful details and tactile innovation
Oak panels on the lower floor provide an optical illusion, their edges seemingly dissolving to sustain a surrealist ambiance. A lush flock finish on the bar’s façade and walls adds substance, evoking a physicality often absent in similar venues — a design choice that engages the senses before engaging the intellect.
To explore more innovative design, discover the inflatable furniture design by Faure-Brac, which showcases groundbreaking creativity in furniture industry.
A distinct Ukrainian identity
The collaboration among YOD Group, WAONE, and Expolight crafts a venue that speaks in a contemporary Ukrainian dialect, challenging Shoreditch’s norms while celebrating its own. “For us, it was important to create a space that would win over London’s demanding audience not by imitating the city’s top bars, but by setting its own standard,” says Dmytro Bonesco, co-owner and art director of YOD Group.
Emphasizing cultural legibility
FlipDog’s singular vision, conceived in Kyiv and brought to life in London, asserts that authenticity requires no translation. The glycerine loggerhead, WAONE’s upholstery, and the flock-coated counter are resolute in their originality, inviting the world to meet them on their terms.
If you appreciate surreal aesthetics, explore Eva Fabregas’ sensory sculptural gut at the Yokohama Triennale for an immersive art experience.
Source: urdesignmag.com