AB Lafitte creates colorful and “eccentric” music venues in Oklahoma City
With a capacity of over 250, the renovated space is intended for hosting small performances within a visually stimulating and immersive environment.
“Designed to be a carnival-like playground for both fans and artists, the venue reintroduced the building’s original mid-century modern architecture as a psychedelic funhouse,” said Laffite.
“The goal was to create an eccentric design that maintained the character of the building. While also straying from the typical dark and industrial music venue aesthetic,” she added.
The renovation of the building involved negotiating the “wildly angular” original concrete ceiling. Which is the most prominent visual element and proved to be the biggest design constraint.
The designer chose to highlight its geometric faux coffering using four different sunset-hued paints and attaching strings of multi-colored carnival lights to its ribs.
A central column, from which the ceiling panels emanate, was wrapped in thin strips of gold mirror and encircled by a counter for placing drinks.
At the back of the venue, the raised stage area is painted red, with silver curtains, and thin neon tubes.
The diner-esque bar combines yellow-gold laminate, chrome edge banding, amber glass blocks, and terrazzo flooring to create a nostalgic feel. “1970s club swank was the goal,” Laffite said.
To one side of the bar is a seating area, where red leather banquettes are into a niche in the wall and accompanied by cafe tables and chairs. Sconces by lighting brand Rich Brilliant Willing add a soft glow.
Meanwhile, “the restrooms are destinatretro-coloredlves,” sinking to Laffite, who added checkerboard tiles, retro-colored glazed sinks and urinals, and pilled-shaped mirrors.
The aim of the project overall was to create a unique spot for locals to enjoy music together. As well as to help revive a once-bustling commercial thoroughfare.
“The conversion of this former department store into a music venue has returned a social gathering place to the community. Where it will hopefully become a cultural anchor in the revitalization efforts of the Capitol Hill neighborhood,” said Laffite.
Moreover, Self-described as a Midwest-based designer, founded her studio in 2021 after working in LA design industry for several ys.
Elsewhere in the US, other small performance venues and nightclubs recently open include Supernova in Seattle. Also, Designed by Mutuus Studio to be an inclusive environment for all.
