A Mocktail Bar and Ikebana Space Centered Around the Four Seasons located in Southern California
Nectar is a concept mocktail bar and ikebana space inspired by the aromas and colors of nature. Each space is the embodiment of a different season, transporting you on a sensorial journey through variations of materiality, color, and light.
Mocktails inspired by the seasons are a reflection of a cultural shift. According to the 2025 Gallup poll, alcohol consumption is at a record low and people are redefining what enjoyment and connection look like, with young adults leading the change.
Winner of the 2026 Angelo Donghia Foundation Scholarship
Entry
Layers of overlapping brass and reclaimed woods sit on the existing facade of the building. The reflective brass compliments the sun while the aged brass and woods connect to the original structure of the building. Meant to age and patina with time, the facade connects to the change that comes with the seasons.
Mocktail Bar
Transitional
Mocktails inspired by each season guide the flow and movement of the space. This transitional bar space contrasts the Californian weather and cityscape just outside the door and transport one into their seasonal journey.
Winter
Serene
The first season of the year and one's initial experience of the space. This soace invites guests to enjoy their drink, socialize, and linger in a space inspired by the serene cooling qualities of the heart of winter.
Spring
Grounded
A modern take on the traditional Japanese art of ikebana, guests are invited to particape in making their own arrangement. Connecting to the rich earthen spring, this space brings one into the earth that life begins from.
Summer
Lush
A dining space inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of a Californian summer. The sun peaks through the clarestory above as it moves throughout the day, creating a unique experience every day of the year.
Autumn
Radiant
A lounge inviting guests to linger and spend a relaxed evening. Drinks inspired by the season are enjoyed in a glowing and warm environment. Guests sit close to the ground and are invited to connect with one another in this intimate space. Natural materials such as an algae based wall-covering glow and immerse one into the season.
221-223 Garey St Los Angeles, CA 90013
The site is located in the Los Angeles Arts District. It is highly walkable with a strong restaurant culture that contributes to a lively nightlife. The demographic is primarily young working creatives and professionals. The area is frequently visited by people seeking unique dining experiences, boutique retail, and art focused spaces, making it a popular destination for socializing and cultural exploration.
The structure of the original building features bow trusses and a clerestory along the north side of the building. The sun reflects off of the neighboring building and casts a glow into the space.
Site Plan
Guests enter into the bar/check in experience. They order a drink inspired by one of the four seasons, and then will make their way into a space designed to reflect the corresponding season.
The space is centered around a central bar, the employing a circular circulation, in alignment with the cyclical seasons.
Axonometric
Winter
Spring
Summer
As the initial space one enters, these materials contrast the outdoor landscape and bring one into a neutral space that will guide them into each season. Reflective chain mail comes down from the ceiling to create a layered atmosphere around a central ikebana inspired sculpture.
Aged Metal
Winter
A cool space with materials inspired by a chilly yet serene winter with a glimpse into the upcoming spring. Materials are reflective and aged over time, with an element of translucency.
Oxidized Stainless Steel
Burl Wood
Florim Stone
Textured Metal
Spring
An ikebana making space allowing one to feel connected to nature. Grounded and textured materials bring one into the earth.
Corn Veneer
Oxidized Brass
Ceppo Siciliano
Ceramic Tile
Concrete
Spring
Smoked Oak Wood
Weathered Steel
CNC Cork Tile
Chain Mail
Shoji Paper
Foresso
Summer
A vibrant and lush space combining materials derived from nature with planters of live plants overhead. Materials are reclaimed, recycled, or made with natural elements such as sun prints. The sun peaks through the original clerestory and brings one into a warm summer.
Sun Printed Linens
Live Edge Wood
Autumn
A radiant and warm space bringing together aged and textured materials with warm ambient lighting to create a space that glows from within.
Algae-based Bioplastic
Carpet
Color Strategy
The color strategy comes from the tones of each season. Each space has a different palette highlighting the qualities of the season it embodies.
Summer
Hand drawn flowers and plants for the overhead display in the dining space.
Autumn
Serene
Winter
Mocktail Bar
Material Strategy
The material strategy is inspired by the feeling that each season embodies. Encompassing colors, aromas, and seasonal changes. Each space is inspired by an attribute that guides the design of the space, materiality, and color.
Winter brings cool and reflective materialities, into an earthy spring of organic materials. A vibrant summer brings bright tones and materials coming from nature into a luminous and warm autumn.
Grounded
Lush
Radiant
Connecting with the attributes, the colors each represent a different time of the year and are unique to each space.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
