An Architectural Concept for the Staging of a Bar
With BONECHINA in Frankfurt’s Alt-Sachsenhausen district, we at Studio ABERJA have created a space that dissolves the boundaries between architecture, design, and scenography. Our goal was to design an environment that elevates the ritual of drinking—no longer as a conventional bar but as a spatial experience.
At the heart of the room stands an oversized porcelain elephant, its shape inspired by origami. More than just a sculptural centerpiece, it serves as a focal point, bringing people together much like a village fountain. The absence of a traditional bar counter was a deliberate decision, reinforcing the idea of communal interaction. Instead, guests are invited to either craft their own drinks or have them prepared for them, using a carefully curated selection of drink classics and homemade aromatized ice cubes.
The architectural language of BONECHINA is defined by contrasts—weight versus fragility, texture versus smoothness. The Frankfurter Fliese, a custom-developed tile inspired by the skin of an elephant, wraps the space in a monochromatic yet highly tactile surface. The contrast continues with warm, soft materials such as pear-wood furniture, upholstery, and curtains, set against the sharp-edged geometry of the tiles in deep shades of blue and anthracite. Antique masonry and brass details further enrich the material composition, creating an environment that is at once intimate and dramatic.
The elephant sculpture itself is a testament to the fusion of digital design and traditional craftsmanship. Inspired by origami, we collaborated with sculptor Marc Rammelmüller to develop a striking, abstract interpretation of an elephant using advanced 3D modeling techniques. This blend of contemporary technology and artisanal execution embodies the essence of BONECHINA—a space where sensory experience, storytelling, and architectural vision converge.
From a small window above BONECHINA, the self-proclaimed mayor of the district keeps a watchful eye on the scene below—an iconic local figure who, much like our architectural intervention, is deeply embedded in the fabric of Alt-Sachsenhausen.