Wax Lyrical: Degree Project
A multi-function 'day+nightclub' in Edinburgh created to address some of the issues within the nightclub industry and the associated nightlife culture. Giving daytime functions to a building which typically would remain closed until 11pm, and creating venues within that address issues relating to drug-use, excessive alcohol consumption and unsafe/ unprotected sex. Five storeys with five functions; Juice Lounge, Health Centre, Wine Cafe, Radio Station and Nightclub.
Visual section collage, showing the different venues within the 1860's Scottish Baronial building. The site has been a nightclub since the 60's but was closed and bought by the neighbouring hotel.
Ground Floor: Juice Lounge and Meditation Space; a venue which looks at the 'morning after' a big night out. Designed to help boost electrolytes with fruit and veg, the lounge aims to be a space people feel comfortable relaxing in, as to not 'fester' in bed all day. Comfortable, slouchy, disco inspired sofas, and at the rear, a meditation space to provide a healthy escape, and cleansing of the mind.
-1 Basement: Check Point Health Centre: A sexual health clinic with walk-in STI testing, and a drug testing clinic with advice lounge. Both facilities are not offered within the city, despite Edinburgh being ranked poorly for sexual health and Scotland's growing drug culture.
-2 Basement: Wine Cafe: Situated in the middle story of the site offers an alternative to a bar operating as a late night coffee shop. Design Inspired by the 1970's and the disco era, with furnishing from designers such as Patricia Urquiola.
-3 Basement: Radio Station: Designed to promote healthy creative outlets for those who love clubbing and music, by connecting the radio station directly to the nightclub's DJ booth.
-4 Basement: Nightclub: Taking inspiration from Studio 54's DJ positioning, Wax Lyrical has the DJ above, in a balcony overlooking the dancefloor, so clubbers dance with each other rather than all towards the DJ (creating a more social feel). The layout has been significantly opened up, with a double height space. Walls are clad with birch plywood and scalloped timber panneling to improve acoustics.
-4 Basement: Nightclub: After research, I concluded it to be essential to have a chill-out room, a space which was common in clubs in the nineties, yet is rare in the UK club scene. The space is designed to be ambient, social and calming, with a water bar to keep clubbers hydrated, lowering the risk over dehyrdration, overheating and over-exhaustion. Furnishing was desgined inspired by disco pieces in the 1970's Domus Catalogue, and the 70's trend of fantasy interiors.