Arie is the latest addition to the Goudvisch family of bars located in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighbourhood. Studio Modijefsky has once again created a name, a character and a fitting interior with all elements blending seamlessly into one other.

The building in which Arie is housed dates back to 1876. Its location on the intersection of two streets (Ferdinand Bolstraat and Quillijnstraat) gives Arie its second name “op de hoek”, translating to “on the corner”. After the Second World War “The Gezellige Club” opened in this bustling spot, and ever since there’s been a venue here to welcome the generations of locals. 

For its latest incarnation as Arie, Studio Modijefsky was asked to design a modern “brown café”. To recreate the atmosphere of days gone by, Studio Modijefsky concentrated on the popular materials from the era: copper, terrazzo, tiles, fabrics, and wood. Darkened beech is used throughout, creating a strong contrast with the aged copper and red marble on the front bar. Blue tiles in a variety of shades accentuate these contrasts and connect the yellow and red ceiling with the back of the bar.

Visible from both entrances, the bar serves as Arie’s centrepiece. The floor on which it stands is a traditional Dutch terrazzo with a brass footrail adding another classic touch, while the marble counter reflects the neon light crossing the glossy dark blue-tiled ceiling. 

Each area has a distinct mood and atmosphere. The rich visual landscape at the front shifts into a more relaxed monotone setting in the narrow part at the back. Here the existing openings have been projected on the blind wall and used as a blueprint for mirrors to create virtual space and openness.