The Ariston Theatre in Sanremo is a spellbinding place, one steeped in history and emotion, that has witnessed the countless stories of the events and people that have brought it to life. Its style is a patchwork of eras and sensations, a vibrant and indefinable blend. When we were tasked with designing the two new bar areas, we felt both the honour and the responsibility of creating spaces that would not only blend seamlessly into the existing setting, but would also showcase its spirit and history.
Our journey began in Sanremo itself, right inside the theatre, with Walter Vacchino – general manager and owner of the venue; the driving force behind the Ariston, he welcomed us and took us on an emotion-packed tour. From the moment we heard his first stories and witnessed his enthusiasm, we realised just how extraordinary this place was. It was a setting entirely new to us, where every corner and every detail spoke with remarkable richness and intensity of both the past and the present. It was already clear at this point that the real challenge would be to capture the visible magic and translate it into the new spaces.
The design process itself was drawn-out and demanding, mainly due to the complexity of the very nature of the venue. The mutual trust we developed with Walter allowed us to take our first steps together and gradually gain a clearer understanding of the path ahead. No one knows the soul of the Ariston better than he does, and no one is better equipped to convey its essence.
It was the memory of those first conversations, our walks through the theatre’s corridors, and the countless stories he shared with us that inspired us to embark on a project that would become a heartfelt tribute to its history. We decided, therefore, to revive and reinterpret some of the key elements to use as the guidelines for the project’s visual identity. Our aim was for this to, on the one hand, tell the story of Ariston’s evolution and, on the other, look towards its future, building a bridge between the past and innovation.
One visually striking feature is linked to the works of Marco Lodola, an artist who has long explored the Ariston’s imagery through his light installations. Among them, Pippo Baudo holds a special place: an instantly recognisable face, closely linked to the history of the Theatre and that of the Festival.
Together with Walter, we recognised from the very beginning that a work by Lodola could become an integral part of the project. Far more than an ornamental feature, it would serve as a point of connection between contemporary art, the performing arts, and architecture. Its introduction has reinforced the character of the spaces, blending naturally into a place whose history and significance were already deeply rooted.
Having defined the artistic vision, we moved on to selecting the materials, a crucial and intensive phase of our project. Working alongside Walter, we examined every surface first-hand, assessed every texture and discussed the details with enthusiasm and precision before finalising the design. To bring this vision to life, it was essential to visit ISA, the manufacturer entrusted with transforming our ideas into reality. That meeting marked a new stage in the collaboration, making the process ever more engaging and inspiring, as each decision became another step towards turning our shared vision into reality.
The result is a work that we can now look back on with pride. The new bar areas, with their meticulous attention to detail and a design intended to blend in with the existing surroundings, are the result of a collaborative process, built step by step through discussion, listening and a shared vision.
From the very beginning, our aim was not simply to create new spaces within the theatre, but to help enhance its character without altering its identity. Every design decision originated from this delicate balance: honouring an extraordinary history whilst simultaneously guiding it through its ongoing process of evolution.
When we look at the completed project today, what makes us most proud is not just the end result, but the journey that made it possible. The people we met, the ideas we shared, the trust we built up over time and our collaboration with ISA have transformed a professional assignment into an experience that we will remember forever.
