Bath University Student Union - Nightclub Design & Bar Design

This Student Union had been almost entirely rebuilt a year before our arrival, however the very open and utilitarian design had not proved popular with students. The bar was cold and austere, and the nightclub was losing trade to bars in town despite having lower bar prices and a captive market in this campus location. With a very restricted budget (given the size of the venues) our aim was to create warmth and more intimate areas, try to give the areas a more contemporary feel appropriate to students and ultimately increase dwell times, and revenue.

Nightclub Design Process

Throughout the nightclub we introduced curved banquettes that created seating zones for small and large groups, and covered most of the walls (and windows) with a huge geometric pattern to introduce some colour and sense of identity. Within the main bar area, informal seating was brought in to break up the space and give a more relaxed atmosphere. The entire area was redecorated in warmer colours combined with brick and stripped timber effect wallpapers, and a bespoke digital laminate to the bar front to add texture and character.