Project: Sonora Cocktail Bar
Architecture: El Equipo Creativo
Partners: Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo, Lucas Echeveste Lacy
Team leaders: Daniel Trujillo, Marcos Merino
Project team: Ricard Fabregat, Rafaela Aranzaens, Michele Soares, Yesica Peña, Maria di Bello
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Adrià Goula
Sonora Cocktail Bar, located on the 24th floor of Amsterdam’s Nhow Hotel, serves as a vibrant, immersive space crafted by El Equipo Creativo. Known for its daring Latin American-inspired cocktails, Sonora shares the floor with Selva Restaurant, each occupying distinct spaces that complement one another’s bold culinary and visual themes.
Framing Spectacular Views of Amsterdam
Sonora’s triangular layout, paired with an impressive floor-to-ceiling glass façade, provides guests with stunning views of Amsterdam’s skyline. Designed by OMA studio under the guidance of architect Rem Koolhaas, the glass wall fills the bar with natural light, framing the urban landscape below. From the start, El Equipo Creativo focused on making Sonora’s design as striking as these remarkable views.
A Striking Golden Centerpiece
To make the bar itself the focal point, Sonora features a dramatic golden structure stretching from floor to ceiling, evoking an ancient aquatic relic. Inspired by pre-Columbian gold artifacts tied to the myth of “El Dorado,” this centerpiece unites the entire space. Moreover, the bar’s curved, organic form creates an aura of mystery, enhanced by green tones, lush vegetation, and aquatic patterns. These design elements nod to the swamps and jungles of Latin America, further enriching the atmosphere.
Echoes of Latin America Throughout
Elsewhere, reflective surfaces echo the glass façade, creating a mesmerizing, cascading water effect that adds depth to the space. Additionally, a verdant, water-patterned carpet merges with the tropical theme, drawing guests further into the ambiance. Organic, eclectic furniture pieces in vibrant colors, like bold reds and earthy tones, are scattered throughout. These accents hint at the allure of exotic fruits and the hidden intrigue of creatures lurking nearby.
An Enchanting and Exotic Escape
Ultimately, Sonora Cocktail Bar offers a unique escape, inviting guests to experience both Latin American flavors and Amsterdam’s cityscape. By blending daring design elements with the lush allure of the tropics, El Equipo Creativo has crafted an unforgettable experience that goes well beyond the cocktail glass.
