Dream On: A Bar Inspired by Van Gogh's Cafe Terrace

Transforming a Narrow Space into an Exotic Night Street

Inspiration for the Dream On bar came from Van Gogh's famous painting, The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum. The goal was to recreate the scene of an exotic, open-air cafe within a narrow rectangular indoor space. To achieve this, the design incorporates elements extracted from local streets and traditional Yilan architecture, resulting in a space that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

The bar features decorative windows, frames, and balconies, reminiscent of the streetscape found in the traditional Yilan area. The use of recycled materials and second-hand decorative windows adds warmth and a sense of history to the space. The concave and convex design of the walls not only enhances the street appearance but also helps to distribute sound evenly, creating a comfortable atmosphere for conversation.

With a total interior space of 72 square meters, the Dream On bar is designed as a corridor-like space, measuring 4.2 meters in width and 15.4 meters in length. The angled roof adds height variation, ranging from 4.3 meters to 5.3 meters. The rectangular bar itself is 110 cm in height, while the tables on the side are intentionally set 5 cm higher than the tabletop, allowing for easy interaction between guests.

One of the main challenges in the design process was addressing the issue of sound echoing in the narrow space. To overcome this, the walls were deliberately designed to be uneven, preventing sound waves from bouncing back and forth. This ensures a pleasant acoustic environment for patrons.

The Dream On bar was completed in March 2017 in Yilan City, Taiwan. The design team, led by Hsiang Hsieh, focused on recreating the essence of Van Gogh's painting through careful analysis of color, spatial structure, and arrangement. The result is a unique and immersive experience that transports visitors to the enchanting streets of Van Gogh's masterpiece.

The Dream On bar has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.

With its dreamlike ambiance and homage to Van Gogh's art, the Dream On bar offers a truly unique and immersive experience for visitors. It is a testament to the power of design to transform spaces and transport us to new and inspiring worlds.