mango architecture


The most exclusive playground Alphabet City oozes style and edgy musicality in the heart of the O2


Alphabet City is an exclusive members-only dining room, bar, lounge and live performance space. Situated at the O2 on London’s docklands, Alphabet City has been cited as a ‘playground within a playground’. Looking over the main atrium in the O2, the first floor offers stylish and informal dining and the upper floor opens in to a wide, open lounge featuring a long bar, a stage for live music, comedy and performance, a world-class sound system, DJ booth and floor-to-ceiling screens for events requiring extra visual impact.


6 Commercial Interiors T


he club's interior, designed in partnership with Mango, features grey wood


panelling and pillars which form the backdrop for luxuriant and eclectic furnishings in a smoky grey and black palette shot with the occasional funky colour. Lighting adds drama as Tom Dixon pendants and chandeliers marry with modern industrial ceiling fittings. A real focal point is the plush little stage and DJ booth set up to host both programmed events as well as spontaneous happenings. Floor-to-ceiling screens are discreetly hidden behind drapes but can be revealed


for events that demand that WOW factor. Jonathan Mangham is the Founder of Mango Architecture and gives us a little more insight into the concept of what it is to create ‘exclusivity’.


Q


What is meant by the term a ‘playground


within a playground’ and how did you interpret this in your design? The O2 is indisputably London's most consumer-friendly arena and offers so much in the way of peripheral leisure facilities from the British Music Experience to


arena. Interview by Jade Tilley


bars and diners such as The American Bar & Grill and Union Square. We wanted to incorporate that sense of play within the club but within the context of a stylish, members' hang-out. If you want to relax and have food and drink brought to your table you can. If you want your own pouring bar set up for you and friends then there's that flexibility and attention to detail. Sitting at the long black bar is a great way to watch the expert bar tenders at work. Or you can just grab a drink and peruse the rock archive exhibition and maybe order an iconic work from the collection to


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