DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: The eating-out culture has gained tremendous momentum over the years. People have become very adventurous in their food choices and experiment with different cuisine styles from across the world. While this in itself is not at all a bad thing, what too much of extraneous influences do is that they overshadow local identity. The décor of this restaurant was inspired by this thought. And therefore the concept of a North Indian flavoured décor for a Punjabi specialty cuisine restaurant located in a mall in Pune, the hub of IT culture; seemed perfect.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: Theme decors are fun; but can get monotonous over time. In that sense a contemporary styling manages to interest patrons more; and that is necessary to draw them to the F&B outlet over and over again. Therefore, a subtle fusion of aesthetics was selected. As a result, rural materials and objects are seen woven into the contemporary fabric.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
: In a restaurant the sensory perceptions of the space dominates the level of appeal.
With simplicity as the primary guiding factor, an earthy look was chosen and relief was given by way of using modern elements like mirror and polished granite. An engaging play of light and shade – with a cleverly designed lighting pattern enhances the divine experience generated through organic components like Cane and hanging earthen pots. The overall experience though quite emotive, showcases North Indian culture and philosophy ingeniously; without compromising on the functional and visual factors.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
: Miss Elham Mirza Ismail, our associate designer and project manager worked extensively on this project.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
: Very often, Indian Regional Cuisine restaurants use Indian motifs and design elements in the décor. Here the attempt is to take out only essential extracts from Indian regional culture and infuse the otherwise contemporary styling with a touch of rural North India. The fusion of earthy and contemporary extends a very different experience for the patrons.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: The most important design decision was to use indigenous and local material keeping in mind the local context. Cane sticks closely woven together clad walls and the ceiling wrapping the whole space together. Cement particleboard used in raw form for the partitions and the walls comes as a rescue element for other wise a monotonous interior. Central seating is enhanced by the ceiling of hanging Kullhads (earthen pots) which continue in a flow over the bar section. Odd angles and the shape of the establishment was a major challenge while addressing the quality of interior space. Cleverly used mirror behind bar counter and the buffet counter multiples and enhance the interesting angles of space that otherwise would have been eyesore. Kotah stone, found in North West region of India is used for the flooring in mirror polished form and assorted variations in colour that contrasts in texture with the raw finish on walls.
The overall ambiance of the restaurant is a fusion of traditional earthy elements with a contemporary design as a base. It gives an international look to the restaurant and encourages even the expats in the city to step in and experience the regional cuisine.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: Awards like A'DESIGN AWARDS AND COMPETITION of utmost importance for the Designers and Architects. It is a scale to judge our own talent as well as is a learning process. Competitions not only give us the global platform but also help in boosting moral. Recognition of talent and the achievement is like a jet pack to take off in the professional stream.