The Populist

Almost 2.000 square meters of the very first Turkish brewery released in Istanbul by the Bomonti brothers one hundred years ago have been rehabilitated. Turned into a craft brewery and a large restaurant, The Populist aims to recall the disobedient atmosphere lead and created by the crowds against political issues.

Protest is reflected in a tangible and impressive aesthetic, friendly involving the beer consume. Inspired by the 20’ American Prohibition period the creative concept shows up in walls, menus and napkins as powerful slogans, whether painted, glued or neon-light-made. A wide photography project portraying Istanbul’s multicultural citizens and several historical documents complete the show.

The three floors of the late XIX century factory are organised in six areas sharing the same hero: craft beer. To serve the cause each of them has its own personality, working as single spaces within a great unique complex. Right at the entrance 6 enormous high-raised beer tanks exhibited in a 2 ways glass box welcomes the beer drinker. A dj station set in an orange vintage Volkswagen van foresees what we’ll find inside: rehabilitated stainless steel tanks, ‘megaphone’ sculptures, bottle-shaped luminaries or an old dark brick and mortar tank converted into an indoor balcony.

We tried to modify the least the original walls and ceilings. Spots, creases and fissures remain at sight yet the improvements are radically new. We dressed the space with brand new clothes that although they just cover the minimum still remain eye-catching.