Renovating an iconic venue such as the Ariston Theatre means striking a balance between tradition and innovation. The design of the new bar counters, created in collaboration with ISA, originated from this particular challenge: to revamp a landmark venue while preserving its identity.
We have compiled the first-hand account of Walter Vacchino, the owner of the Ariston Theatre, interspersing his own words with a narrative that traces the key stages of this experience.
A meeting that turned into a project
The project began as a personal encounter, even before it became a professional one. An open, direct dialogue allowed us to quickly develop a shared vision.
Walter Vacchino recognised the value of this alignment and placed it within a broader context of Italian excellence: “It is a pleasure to be here with you because Ariston, like so many family-run businesses, is a fine example of Italian excellence. And I believe that ISA, too, embodies this ability to start from a particular region and go on to conquer the world.”
A comparison that highlights profound similarities: deep roots, quality and the ability to stir the emotions.
The importance of listening
One of the key elements of the project was the ongoing dialogue between the client and the designers. Not just a technical exchange, but a genuine process of sharing.
“I believe that one of the most important things in this world is listening, because it gives you a deeper understanding of the emotions of real-life people.”
Vacchino highlighted how his own life experiences had become the subject matter of designs: “I pass on my experiences to them; they rework them and use them as a starting point to create the lines.” The result is a project that stems from a balance between experience and interpretation.
A worksite that changes day by day
The journey to completion was neither straightforward nor strictly defined from the outset. Instead, it was a dynamic process, developed directly in the field.
“We started with one word: demolition.” From here, a basic start: “We set out without a defined plan: there was a functional design, but not the final one.”
The worksite thus became a creative workshop: “We stood in the hall looking at the bare wall… and that’s where the design took shape.”
The inevitable difficulties became opportunities: “The measurements must never all be the same… because otherwise it’s too easy.”
Inspiration from the theatre: curtains, light and colour
The theatrical element was the central theme of the project. The design of the new bar counters was directly inspired by the language of theatre.
“A design was created based on the idea of curtains, with the open curtain represented by the mirror.”
At first, however, a key element was missing: “It was all in brown tones, like wood… then an idea popped up: why don’t we make it red?” A choice that was refined through several attempts: “Various shades of red were tried in turn, until the final one was chosen.”
The result is a space reminiscent of a theatre stage which heightens the atmosphere.
Function and emotion: the role of the bar counter
In a theatre setting, the bar counter takes on a symbolic as well as a functional significance.
“The bar counter is the first ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’ that a theatre offers its audience.”
This aspect is even more significant at the Ariston: “Our entrance is small, in the Ligurian style, but it’s visible from the road: it’s our calling card.” It is, therefore, an element that must combine visual appeal, functionality and identity.
Tailored solutions and changes along the way
Like any complex project, this one also required adjustments during its realisation.
“We made some changes for the popcorn, because popcorn is synonymous with the cinema, but it had to serve a purpose without being obtrusive.”
Special attention was also paid to the sensory experience: “Both its smell and form had to blend in without being obtrusive.
The value of people
Alongside the design work, the skilled workers, each with their own expertise, played a vital role.
“There were those whose physical presence reflected the weight of their experience… but who also possessed a knack for finding solutions that you simply cannot foresee in a drawing.” A tribute to human capital, an essential element in the project’s success.
A positive experience, with an eye to the future
Despite some initial reservations, the end result lived up to expectations.
“It was a learning experience… at first I was a bit worried about the outcome.”
Today, the verdict is clear: “It went well; this time it went well.” Above all, the human value of the experience remains: “We were lucky enough to be able to have a laugh and work with a smile.”
A spirit that opens up new horizons: “Let’s see what we do next.”
Conclusion
The design of the new bars at the Ariston Theatre is a concrete example of how listening, collaboration and flexibility can be turned into real value.
Not just a design project, but a shared experience that brings together vision, technique and people. A result which, just like theatre, begins even before the curtain rises.
