Stabu Street in Riga has long been a thoroughfare of history and transformation. In 2021 our studio was presented with the opportunity to inject a new pulse into this vibrant artery at 30 Stabu Street. The project AOK City pizza&bar was not a standard exercise in restaurant design where the goal is often to polish and perfect. Instead, the brief from our client allowed us to explore the beauty of imperfection. We aimed to create a space that feels lived in and authentic and unapologetically bold. This venue is 180 square meters of pure attitude. It is a place where the roughness of the industrial past meets the sophistication of modern leisure.
The Concept
The defining aesthetic of AOK City can be described as industrial grunge met with high end comfort. Upon entering the space, the first thing a visitor notices is the walls. In traditional interior design the instinct is often to cover old brick or peeling plaster with fresh drywall and paint. Here we did the opposite. We treated the existing layers of the building as an archaeological find.
The exposed brick walls with their patches of raw plaster and remnants of old paint tell a story of the building's past lives. We evaluated these surfaces carefully. We preserved the textures that offered the most character and sealed them to ensure hygiene and durability without losing their grit. This backdrop provides a dramatic contrast to the new interventions. It creates a feeling of permanence and history that a brand-new fit out simply cannot replicate.
The Concrete Heart: Bar Design
At the center of the room stands the bar. It acts as the gravitational core of the venue. For this element we chose cast concrete. The bar counter features a sweeping curve that softens the rectangular geometry of the room. The concrete is left raw and unpolished which highlights its brutalist quality.
This massive stone-like structure is lika a stage. The bartenders perform their craft behind this solid barrier which is illuminated by a series of industrial pendant lights. Above the bar a complex structure of black metal pipes and custom lighting fixtures draws the eye upward. This exposed ceiling infrastructure is painted black to disappear into the void while simultaneously adding a layer of technical complexity to the visual field. We believe that in bar design the ceiling is often an underutilized canvas. By leaving the ducts and cables exposed we reinforce the industrial narrative of the space.
Art as a Spatial Anchor
One of the most striking features of the interior is the integration of fine art. We partnered with the renowned sculptor Ginters Krumholcs to bring a unique element to the space. His large-scale sculpture of a woman painted in a vivid teal colour stands proudly in the lounge area.
This figure is not merely decoration. She is a protagonist in the room. Her confident stance and bright colour pop against the muted tones of the brick and concrete. This collaboration demonstrates our belief that interior design and art should not be separate disciplines. The sculpture acts as a meeting point and a conversation starter. It transforms a casual pizza place into a cultural destination.
Materiality
The success of the AOK City interior lies in the tension between opposing materials. We worked with a palette that balances the hard with the soft and the cold with the warm.
To define different zones without building solid walls we utilized expanded metal mesh screens. These semi-transparent dividers introduce an industrial edge. They allow light and sound to pass through while creating a sense of enclosure for the booth seating. The mesh catches the light and creates interesting moiré patterns as guests move through the bar.
In contrast to the cold metal and concrete we selected furniture that invites touch. The seating provided by our partners features rich textures. We used plush velvet upholstery in warm shades of mustard yellow and burnt orange. These vibrant colours bring a retro warmth to the interior. They evoke the comfort of a 1970s lounge but with a modern silhouette. We also incorporated low leather butterfly chairs and solid wooden block tables in the lounge area. The wood brings a natural and organic element that grounds the design and connects it to the firewood used for the pizza oven.
Lighting for Mood
Lighting is the tool we use to sculpt the atmosphere. In a venue that transitions from a daytime lunch spot to a late-night bar the lighting must be versatile. We employed a mix of directional spotlights and ambient decorative fixtures.
Neon plays a crucial role in the identity of AOK City. The red and white neon accents introduce a futuristic and electric energy. They reflect off the shiny surfaces and get absorbed by the matte ones creating a dynamic visual environment. We also introduced holographic and iridescent materials in specific details. These elements shift colour depending on the viewing angle, adding a touch of psychedelic wonder to the grunge setting. This layering of light sources allows the mood to shift from bright and energetic to dark and mysterious as the evening progresses.
Functional Flow and Social Dynamics
Despite the expressive aesthetics the layout is driven by rigorous functionality. The 180 square meter footprint is zoned to cater to different social needs. The area near the windows and the bar is high energy and sociable. It is designed for standing and mingling. The booth seating behind the mesh screens offers more privacy for dining groups. The lounge area with the sculpture is relaxed and informal perfect for cocktails and conversation.
The open kitchen where the pizza oven is located adds a sense of theater. Guests can see the fire and the chefs at work. This visual connection to food preparation enhances the appetite and builds trust. From a hospitality design perspective creating these sightlines is essential for a vibrant restaurant atmosphere.
A Collaborative Triumph
The project was realized through the dedicated work of our team led by Barbara Bula and Anete Soldāne.
Our partnership allowed us to source unique pieces and integrate art seamlessly. We believe that the best results come from working with experts who share our passion for quality and innovation.
AOK City pizza&bar is an experience of urban culture. It is a space that celebrates the raw beauty of Riga while offering a sophisticated environment for its residents.
We have created an interior that is rich in texture and bold in character. By embracing the history of the walls and introducing contemporary art and industrial materials we have crafted a venue that feels timeless. We invite you to visit AOK City to taste the pizza and to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere we have built. It is a space where every crack in the wall tells a story and every detail has been considered with care.