CONCEPT
It is an attempt to revive a number of traditional Indian craft practices and integrating them with the modern construction techniques. The overall concept of the store was to design a contemporary designer store blending it perfectly with the ethnicity of traditional Indian clothing. Four traditional Indian motifs were picked and were used at different scales to design almost the entire store including the Jaalis, the ceilings and the storages.
PLANNING
The overall planning was done in such a way so as to ensure that the high end collections were placed in slightly private spaces whereas the fast moving consumer items were placed close to the circulation spaces. For example, the heavy suits, lehengas, etc. were placed in the lower level so as to cater to the elite clientele. Similarly, the jewelry section was placed in the rear part of the ground floor while the more economic dressware like cotton fabrics and suits were placed close to the entrance area. A visual connection between the Ground Floor and Basement was established. Hence two cutouts were provided with mirrors on double height walls which lent grandeur to the internal space of the store.
It was a mutual decision between the client and the architect to have a ramp in the basement that would be used for new collections and shows to be presented for select clientele, the store being a designer store.
MATERIAL PALETTE
The store was designed using a very limited number of materials, the emphasis being on traditional Indian metals such as Copper, brass and mild steel. The most magnificent use of the traditional Indian metal craft work is reflected in the main door of the store where copper sheets have been finished with Takai and Gulmekh work. The main Jaalis were cut using CNC routers on mild steel sheets to expedite the speed of construction. Fabric padding and traditional handcrafted wooden panellings were used extensively. Furthermore, the furniture is custom made and continues to reflect the theme of the motifs integrating them with the store design.
↧