An “oxymoron” is the union of two words that have contradictory meanings but which together form a phrase with a new meaning. As the name suggests, El Papa & La Mama, our client wanted a space which played upon duality and the mixture of opposites: man – woman; day – night. In the evening, in addition to food and drinks, a burlesque show is offered to introduce a party atmosphere and dancing.

The design concept is based on the counter positioning of opposite elements. We are welcomed by four large neon signs, facing each other in pairs, which display clear messages in the form of oxymorons: Never – Again; Peace – Force; Holy – Hell; Public – Secret. The starting point leaves no doubt.

Two brick arcades, white and black, frame the double heighted central space and serve as background for the two bars facing each other from opposite sides. Next to the façade we find “El Mama” bar, a 360-degree daytime cozy bar with wood details and vegetation. At the opposite extreme on the black arcade, “La Papa” cocktail bar, with a metallic industrial surface, offers the nocturnal counterpoint.
These bars frame what, after a certain hour will become the center of attention: the dance floor.