Washington, DC nightlife destination HEIST has reopened following a refresh by Baltimore- and New York-based studio Swanson Design. Glitz and grit find rhythm across the bespoke redesign, which evolves the concept beyond symbolism.
“The original HEIST 1.0 expressed a space that had been ransacked of its valuables to create the illusion of a heist having taken place. HEIST 2.0 is purely abstract. There is no direct symbolism, merely references to the fact that one is in a vault,” says Swanson president and creative director Brian Swanson. “A raw space integrating real materials—glass, brass, concrete, leather—to create a concept that transcends fads and trends.”
Indeed, a rough concrete interior is softened with brass, glass, and granite for a luxe visual impact both classical and minimalist. Lined with lava rock, stairs leading into HEIST allude to an underground vault, while a series of modular, monolithic pilasters line the perimeter to support a floating ceiling.
Black hexagonal tiles also span the interior, forming a four-pointed star across the concrete floors. The hexagonal motif is echoed in the recesses of the asymmetrical ceiling, whose openings serve counterpoint to the rigidity of the obelisk-like columns as well.
Additional focal points include a solid brass DJ booth and the bar with textured glass backlit to emit a crystalline glow through the interior.
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