Barcelona and Istanbul-based design studio Lagranja Design has renovated Turkey's first brewery in Istanbul with light and cozy atmosphere by using a series of photographs, graphic design elements and custom made furniture and fixtures. 

Named The Populist Brewery, the 2,000-square-metre building was turned into a craft brewery and a large restaurant, The Populist aims to recall the disobedient atmosphere lead and created by the crowds against political issues. All of them weave a unique concept across the space within a political and social Turkish reality. 

Protest is reflected in a tangible and impressive aesthetic, friendly involving the beer consume. Inspired by the 20’ American Prohibition period, the creative concept shows up in walls, menus and napkins as powerful slogans, whether painted, glued or neon-light-made. 

A wide photography project portraying Istanbul’s multicultural citizens and several historical documents complete the show. Beyond graphic and photographic visual evidences, other elements have been designed in order to tie the space with its new narrative. 

Decorative lighting shaped as megaphones, bottles and even a giant megaphone sculpture inject realism and provides an immersive experience to the visitor.

The three floors of the late XIX century factory are organized in six areas sharing the same hero: craft beer. To serve the cause each of them has its own personality, working as single spaces within a great unique complex. 

Right at the entrance 6 enormous high-raised beer tanks exhibited in a 2 ways glass box and a dj station set in an orange vintage Volkswagen van welcomes the beer drinker. The copper brew house and fermentation stainless steel tanks are the main focus of the second space which hosts the megaphone sculpture and an impressive traditional turquoise tile made bar counter too. 

Providing a lofty floor, an old dark brick and mortar tank is converted into an indoor balcony overlooking the “pide” oven based in the forth area. 

The ground level is connected with the first floor by an eight meter spanning spiral staircase which recreates a winter garden. Reminding a greenhouse crystal ceilings, exterior concrete and a variety of vegetation and outdoor furnitures create a cozy area besides a little music hall. 

Lagranja Design was tried to modify the least the original walls and ceilings. Spots, creases and fissures remain at sight yet the improvements are radically new. Also dressed the space with brand new clothes that although they just cover the minimum still remain eye-catching.

After many years neglected, the renewed Bomonti factory aims to become Istanbul’s outstanding F&B complex. It is the first major built project in Turkey by Lagranja Design, a widely awarded design firm, founded in Barcelona in 2002 and already based in Istanbul and Singapore too, which is focused in interior and product design.

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

Projects facts

Project Name: The Populist Brewery
Project Location: Istanbul / Turkey
Interior Design: Lagranja Design
Project Type: Restaurant
Total Construction Area: 2.000 sqm

All images © Lagranja Design

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