Barbarella Bar
Food & Beverage
240 8 Ave SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 1B5
barbarella bar
Barbarella is a coastal bar and restaurant that offers a refreshing escape from the everyday. Inspired by the chic, mid-century yacht culture of southern Italy, Barbarella’s breezy vibe transports guests to a sunny boat deck somewhere on the Amalfi Coast.
Coastal chic
Barbarella Bar pays homage to Italy’s rich sporting history. From racing to yachting, this sporting culture is represented through subtle design nods in everything from banquette textiles with racing stripe details to mid-century inspired furniture and wall panelling. The heavy framework and raw grit of the building are juxtaposed with finishing elements that are refined and softer, like the beautiful handmade tile on the raw concrete columns.
fire & light
Reminiscent of the bow of a boat, a centrally located, large u-shaped bar is the focal point of Barbarella. Above are glowing custom light installations that feature a cluster of oversized linen lanterns designed to be a beacon from the street. On the lounge side, three rust-coloured fireplaces are suspended from the ceiling and hover in the lounges to establish inviting seating areas.
grand escape
Given Barbarella’s location inside a large, two-storey space, we had the unique challenge of maintaining the grandiosity of this venue while also making it feel warm and inviting. A mezzanine was created not only to add more seating but also to activate the vertical void. Strategic use of oversized lighting, fireplaces and ceiling fans bring the space down to a human scale.
