The alternative nightlife scene in Budapest is gradually maturing. Since the beginning of this century, the Hungarian capital has already been a popular nightlife destination, especially for the young European public. The cheap drink prices, numerous hostels and budget flights have all contributed to this. In the part of the city known as Pest, especially, are many empty buildings containing courtyards brimming with ambience and decorated with minimal resources; now set up as romkocsmák, or 'ruin-bars'.
Unlike most other cafés and bars, Trafiq sits in the established Fifth District, in the shadow of St. Stephen's Basilica and not far from the Hungarian Parliament Building. 81font Architecture & Design was responsible for the renovation of the building from 1886, together with with Judit Z. Halmágyi.
The previously open courtyard is now covered with a glass sliding roof, which can be opened electronically. Almost all the materials employed are vintage or second-hand, such as the floor tiles, wooden floors and attractively illuminated industrial glass behind the bar. New ceramic tiles were created especially for the project that are reminiscent of the late-19th-century atmosphere of the building.
We worked closely with graphic designer Miklós Kiss. He found his inspiration in the name of the club, Trafiq, which is derived from the Hungarian word Trafik, a small tobacco, candy, toy and newspaper shop.
Not only in the toilets, but also in the style of the club (menu, website, business cards), this playful look is well reflected.
