The name of the club is T-O 12. T-O reads like the German pronunciation of Theo, an abbreviation of Theodor, and the number 12 refers to the house number of the club.
The design concept pursues a twofold approach. Firstly, it is designed as an homage to our first president, who was not only well-known for his political achievements, but also as a bon viveur with a fine sense of humour, famous for his quotations dedicated to the more pleasurable side of life. At the same time, the club pays tribute to the regeneration of the boulevard in which it is situated. Secondly, a strong and distinctive visual appearance was developed, which is focused around a black and white, urban theme, combined with mirrors and dramatic, white illustrations.
The club runs over three floors. On the ground floor is the main bar and two smaller lounges; a second bar and a large dance floor can be found on the upper level, and a second dance floor in the souterrain. As the entrance is slightly hidden beneath the arcades of the building, a horizontal lighting element made of large Perspex boxes was created to make the club visible from the street and to guide guests into the bar with its running light. Inside, the main bar space welcomes the guest with a freestanding, U-shaped bar made of white Corian and a backdrop of black-stained, brushed wood with large, white, painted illustrations. The illustrations are surreal adaptations of urban themes, juxtaposed with street-life objects such as a real streetlamp. The ceiling is covered with hexagonal mirrors, giving extra height to the space.
In the back area of the ground floor are two smaller lounge areas. The first is a polygonal room with mirrored walls. Reflections from the mirrors in combination with a ceiling dotted with LED lamps make the space appear never-ending. The second lounge provides a perfect counterfoil: a black, leather-clad space enfolds a white, illuminated table beneath a mirrored ceiling.
The upper floor is dedicated to a large dance floor and a long bar. A large ceiling illustration receives the guests and visually draws them towards the bar, where bottles on chrome steps create a broad and inviting backdrop. Seven circular, mirrored openings in the ceiling throw spots of light on to the ground and dance floor. The latter is enclosed by a fictitious panorama of the Theodor-Heuss-Strasse displaying all the clubs. An intimate third lounge on this upper floor gives guests the chance to retreat from the mêlée.
The souterrain houses another smaller dance floor and bar, as well as the cloakroom and toilets. Wall and ceiling motifs display images of insects and carnivorous plants that are commonly found in warm and dark places.
The staircase serves as a connective element and features hedonistic quotations from the club’s namesake, Theodor Heuss.