The Sem Niveau, A Bar that previously was easily confused as a simple cafe that served quick meals without a set hour. A space that had an image but not an identity. It was urgent to create identity, a new concept and turn it cosy and distinct. The central request of the client was to give emphasis to the soul of the business, the Bar, as well as giving importance to improving the acoustics of the space.

This was a challenging project, a turn-key project. The clients planned to go on vacation with a calm mind and without worries, depositing all their trust in our working team. It was a launching pad, it was a complete leap of confidence in us.

Between drywall, electricity, plumbing, painting, metalwork and carpentry, it was through the usage of materials and noble colours, like woods, ceramics, glass, a palette rich in colours like blacks, greens and golds, that we provided the space with comfort and glamour for a night well spent with friends and family.

We felt the necessity in having green, elements that would bring the exterior to the interior. In the impossibility of having natural plants, we invested in the placement of a panel wall with the effect of a greenhouse to harmonize and balance the space, providing inspiration for all the remaining existing mesh, through the glass partition and personalized panels. There we were able to toast life, in a more intimate environment, where light and sound contribute to unique moments of conviviality.

Providing comfort to those who use it, reconciling the importance of the space’s functionality with the dynamics of those who work there. However, one of the biggest challenges of this project was the acoustics.

Challenges that are points where I have to work on my personal power. Knowing how to trust myself until the end, believe in my intuition and in my work, in which I strive for quality and not let myself be carried away by other people’s insecurity, became my challenge and concern. We can easily allow ourselves to be led in the wrong direction by other people’s vision. At these times there are many opinions and there is a fine line between what really works and what people think works. In a world where our thinking is not a fact, it was time to base ourselves on facts.

During the process, it is normal for the insecurities of those involved to come to the surface. This is a time when it becomes challenging. Asking them to trust is the watchword. Whether in the boldness of the colour, in the lighting to diversify the environment or even in a different sound absorption.

In the end everything worked out!

It was a source of great pride to receive feedback from a group of blind people who attend Sem Niveau in which they mentioned: “We couldn’t see the space, but we could feel that the acoustics had improved a lot.” Having this approval from customers who frequent the place was hilarious.

It is necessary to know how to trust the process and not change the trajectory due to insecurity.

This whole project was an enormous learning experience.

I’m grateful to Yuri and Gonçalo.

Daniela Mateus