Since the mid 1990’s, the Czech Republic has been experiencing successful rebuilding and alignment with western European culture. In the midst of recovery from decades of economic stagnation, political repression, and low living standards, acultural revolution is taking place. Present day Prague is full of ambitious design and people empowered to express their passions. That energy is highlighted by its setting among many examples of brutalist architect that became common place during the decades of socialism.
Cohesion Brewing is located within a World War II building, originally known as the Denver Medical Depot, and now known as York Street Yards. Completed in 1942, it is good example o fpurely functional construction of the time. While its origin story is markedly different from many of the buildings in the Czech Republic mentioned above, it is a fitting backdrop to the new Cohesion Brewing space.
First and foremost, the design focuses on the craft of the beer. Czech beer culture relies heavily on ‘the art of the pour’. The layout of the bar puts unique taps, and more importantly, the bartender, or tapster as their known in Czech culture, at the center of the action. Czech beer uses a tap that allows precise control the amount of foam in each pour. Perfecting this ratio, which typically includes a generous amount of foam, is the hallmark of an expert tapster. Surrounding that focus, a more formal backdrop of archways executed with a soft, pillowy affect. The gentle,slightly bulged curve along the fascia of the bar ceiling highlights the contrasting construction.
The remainder of the space is laid out to create many different types of experiences within the tasting room. Some, such as the seating near large corner windows facing the foothills, highlight opportunities of the existing conditions. Others, such as the small nook area capped with a quatrefoil pergola, showcase collaborative design and the fabrication techniques of the project team. All come together to create a unique beer experience within a city known for its own beer culture.
Concept Statement:
Honor the reawakening of Czech culture through a juxtaposition of historic functional construction with outgoing, passionate interior architecture.
