Structure Type: built works - commercial buildings - saloons

Designers: Friedman, John and Kimm, Alice, Architects (firm); John Friedman (architect); Alice Kimm (architect)

Dates: constructed 1999

1 story, total floor area: 3,000 sq. ft.

814 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401-2711

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The web site for John Friedman and Alice Kimm stated about the design of Club Sugar: "See and Be Seen: The space was designed to intensify the looking at and meeting of people – to both reinforce and poke fun at the narcissistic and voyeuristic behavior inherent in a nightclub. To this end, it brings people together in surprising ways, such as the space in the polycarbonate 'tunnel' that allows people to see inside the restrooms through clear acrylic doors. Material Experimentation: To further support these kinds of visual relationships, the design experiments with a palette of clear, translucent, and mirrored materials that affect the perception of the body and allow it to be presented in as many ways as possible – clearly in one piece, as we think of ourselves, or in color, blurred and disoriented, as others often see us. These include epoxy floors, stainless steel mesh curtains, zinc siding, and a number of new acrylic and polycarbonate materials." (See "Club Sugar," John Friedman Alice Kimm ArchitectsAccessed 06/27/2012.)

This trance club closed soon after it opened, c. 2004. According to one reviewer: "A small little club with the best house, trance, industrial, and jungle music that you would normally only experience at select afterhours locations. The bathrooms are very unique [sic] because they are transparent practically between the men and the ladies rooms. The bathroom is an experience in itself! They actually don't have a hard liquor license so only beer and wine is served. (See Bruingirl 497, "Club Sugar: Club Sugar," 08/24/2002,Accessed 06/27/2012.)

PCAD id: 1881