The concept that breathes life into La Pulpería takes us back to the era of great explorations. In the past, pulperías played a fundamental role as gathering points that forged entire communities, especially in Latin towns. They stood out as the refuge of a tireless owner, akin to an octopus with its tentacles, ceaselessly discovering treasures. Metaphorically, this spirit earned them the nickname “Pulpero.” Pulperías symbolized tradition and culture, where social interaction was the norm.
With this inspiration, we have salvaged a fragment of the past and given it meaning in a space. We have crafted a mythical environment where the combination of elements, such as a rich color palette, captivating patterns, and meticulously designed lighting, shapes an atmosphere that radiates mystery and, at the same time, warmth. The bar, an essential element, serves as the epicenter of alchemy and the creation of experimental cocktails, with its back bar paying homage to apothecaries of the past. The furniture plays a pivotal role; the grand booth unites the entire space, eschewing scattered tables to foster a sense of unity. Each table and lamp presents bronze details and eclectic touches that enrich every nook.
Every corner of the place is brimming with details, transforming the space into a kind of “cabinet of curiosities,” replete with objects from times past. In summary, with this place, we aim to breathe life into an imaginary world created from forgotten stories.
Questions and Answers
What was the brief?
The brief was to create a timeless restaurant-bar that would achieve a sense of mystery and set itself apart from the others. It had to be one-of-a-kind and possess, beyond a captivating aesthetic, a deeper meaning, essence, and a story behind it.
What were the key challenges?
The project’s challenge lay in the transformation of a space that had previously been a residence. We needed to carry out a complete architectural renovation to impart the desired character to the place, ensuring that the spaces felt more like those of a bar and restaurant than a house. However, we also had to preserve the intriguing sense of a home, which translated into the arrangement of rooms or areas that allowed us to divide the space into different zones, such as the bar, the spacious lounge, and a more intimate area, especially designed for groups.