Drum Circle Bar

Rhythm and Roots

Location — Mount Pleasant, Washington, DC

Area — ~1600 SF

Date — 2025

The energy of the Malcolm X Park drum circle became the heart of this neighborhood bar. I studied how performers and visitors gather around music, how the park steps create informal seating, and how people remain connected from different distances. These observations shaped the layout, circulation, and seating, keeping the stage visible while creating a range of social experiences throughout the space.

The concept Rhythm and Roots translates the movement, community, and cultural spirit of the drum circle into an interior in Mount Pleasant. The stage sits at the center of the plan, surrounded by communal tables and tiered seating inspired by the park. Curved forms, warm natural materials, layered lighting, and rhythmic details bring energy into the space without feeling overly themed. The design balances performance, dining, circulation, and conversation, creating a lively place that feels rooted in its neighborhood and welcoming to everyone.

Revit

Enscape

Photoshop

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