EQ=LS Inclusive Bar

The brief was provided by Melbourne’s Wharf Hotel owner, Anthony Sharp, who aimed to incorporate key design elements of health, sustainability, interactivity, and culture into the venue. His vision was to create a space that feels inclusive and secure for anyone interacting with its surroundings.

I began by identifying the essential design elements for the bar, exploring the options associated with each. Through my research, I selected hearing impairment and accessibility support from a health perspective, the concept of energy conservation for sustainability, smoothie blender bikes as an interactive activity, and an emphasis on addressing the social vs. binge drinking issue prevalent in today’s society.

Each element was then researched individually to gather inspiration and ensure that the space catered equally to all aspects. This research led to the incorporation of several key touchpoints. For health considerations, I introduced sign language and pointing ordering options at the bars to accommodate hearing impairment, alongside U-shaped booth seating to assist individuals with hearing difficulties. In terms of accessibility support, I ensured disability ramp access and uni-sex disabled bathrooms were included. For sustainability, I proposed an energy floor that collects energy from visitors dancing, channeling it back to the bar’s electricity system, as well as open-air seating to promote natural ventilation.

To foster culture and interactivity, I integrated a blender bike activity that allows guests to create non-alcoholic drink options, serving as a fun distraction from drinking, and included a free water/sink station and uni-sex bathrooms to enhance inclusivity.

While my design primarily focused on these key elements, I also considered the overall style and atmosphere of the space. Once I finalised my design element choices, I created an inspiration board for the indoor and outdoor bar spaces to aid my design development process. This culminated in a mood board aimed at providing a fun and stylish atmosphere infused with elements of glamour and sophistication.

The mood board informed my materials board development, taking into account design elements, material durability, and overall style. I selected mirrored bar fronts and splashbacks to cater to the hearing impaired, allowing them to see if someone was approaching from behind, navy blue velvet booth finishes for comfort and style, and polished concrete floors for durability.

In the design development phase, I sketched the space using a bubble diagram that included each of the chosen touchpoints. This was followed by creating a circulation map to ensure functionality and accessibility for all audiences. Ultimately, I crafted a final floor plan that showcased the entire space and its design elements. Upon finalising my design, I renamed the venue from Wharf Hotel to EQ=LS, a name that reflects the inclusive nature of the bar. The name is short, memorable, and creates a social catch, enhancing the venue's identity for those who have visited or passed by.