IIID Awards 2009

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The profession of interior design has evolved into one of the most popular career choices of the 21st century; however it remains largely misunderstood – especially in India. One of the most important goals and constant efforts of the IIID is to spread the awareness about the field, to the masses. The IIID also holds itself responsible for promoting the concept of “good design”; and this led to the institution of the IIID MK Awards - 14 years ago!! Today, certainly the most the prestigious ones for interior designers in India, the IIID MK Awards reinforce the IIID’s vision. In this feature, we take you on a trip through the winning entries of 2009!! The role of the IIID, and its many initiatives to ‘raise the bar’ of design in the country are highlighted by the Chairman of the IIID Awards Committee, Ar. Tushar Desai – in Insite Interaction. Text: Ar. Roopa Sabnis Pinge

Note: The winners’ lists includes the Honorary Mentions awarded by the jury. However, we regret that the projects could not presented in this compilation.

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Regional

Category Name

Zone

Name of the Design Practice

NORTH – COMMENDATION

Residential Multi Dwelling

East+North

Square Consultancy Services

SOUTH – COMMENDATION

Residential Multi Dwelling

South

Aamir Sharma

HONORARY MENTION

Residential-Multi Dwelling

South

Form & Space

Residential-Multi Dwelling

West

Bhavana Jacob

WEST – COMMENDATION

Residential Multi Dwelling

West

S M Studio

HONORARY MENTION

Residential-Multi Dwelling

West

K S Associates

WEST – RUNNER UP

Residential -Multi Dwelling

West

Space Dynamix

HONORARY MENTION

Residential

West

Zarir Mullan&Seema Puri Mullan

NORTH – RUNNER UP

Residential Single Dwelling

East+North

Keystone Interiors

HONORARY MENTION

Residential-Single Dwelling

South

CADENCE

SOUTH – COMMENDATION

Residential- Single Dwelling

South

Form & Space

HONORARY MENTION

Residential- Single Dwelling

South

Ochre Architects

SOUTH – WINNER

Residential Single Dwelling

South

Girish Dariyav Karnawat

HONORARY MENTION

Residential Single Dwelling

South

Hameeda Sharma

HONORARY MENTION

Residential-Single Dwelling

West

S M Studio

HONORARY MENTION

Residential-Single Dwelling

West

Faquith & Associates

HONORARY MENTION

Residential -Single Dwelling

West

KNS Architects Pvt Ltd

NORTH – RUNNER UP

Retail

East+North

Spaces Architects

NORTH – COMMENDATION

Retail

East+North

Architects Vistap & Ass

NORTH – WINNER

Retail

East+North

Space Design Interior Designers

Retail

South

The Lotus Praxis Initiative TLPI

Retail

South

Ar Brijesh Patel

Retail

South

Aamir Sharma

Retail

West

Span Design Organisation

Retail

West

Rajan Subhedar Architects

HONORARY MENTION

Retail

West

Hiren Patel Architects

HONORARY MENTION

Retail

West

Sparsh Interiors

WEST – RUNNER UP

Retail

West

Dipen Gada & Associates

WEST – WINNER

National

RUNNER UP

RUNNER UP HONORARY MENTION SOUTH – COMMENDATION

RUNNER UP

HONORARY MENTION WEST – RUNNER UP

COMMENDATION

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There is a strange tendency, especially in India, and even among the literate populace, to summarize the vast world of spatial design into one small phrase – interior decoration. There is a multitude of areas that are included in spatial design – architecture, interior designing, interior accessorizing, colour consultancy, interior styling, and interior decoration.

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However, interior decoration, strictly speaking, deals with the home renovations that can be easily and quickly executed, and at lower budgets such as changing kitchen cabinets, selecting wall paint, changing furnishings, or adding a furniture item specifically designed to address an immediate requirement… It usually does not include civil / structural modifications. Interior design, on the other hand, involves a multitude of technical, analytical, creative skills, and understanding of architectural elements. There is a wide range of disciplines within the field of interior design; so an interior designer has to be conversant with architecture, environmental psychology, product design, and aesthetics. This enables the designer to derive the

most efficient solution specific to the needs of the built interior environment. Ideally, this solution is aimed at improving the physical, physiological and emotional well-being of the clients – by understanding the clients’ needs and aspirations, and evolving ecologically sensitive solutions that promote the health, safety and welfare of the clients. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Interior designers plan the spaces of almost every type of building including: hotels, corporate spaces, schools, hospitals, private residences, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and airport terminals. Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes. Some interior designers are architects as well; whereby they are better equipped to handle the interior architecture of space. In India, the field of interior designing is relatively new.

Workspace

East-North

Abin Design Studio

Workplace

East-North

Charged Voids

HONORARY MENTION

Workplace

South

INIGSPAG

SOUTH – COMMENDATION

Workplace

South

DSP Design Associates Pvt Ltd

HONORARY MENTION

Workplace

West

JICPL Designs

HONORARY MENTION

Workplace

West

Team Design

Workplace

West

MO-OF

HONORARY MENTION

Workspace

West

Shailee Trivedi Patel

HONORARY MENTION

Work Place

West

Raina Durve

Workplace

West

Dipen Gada & Associates

NORTH – COMMENDATION

Hospitality

East+North

Yantra Architects

SOUTH – COMMENDATION

Hospitality

South

Sanctuary Architects & Designers

Hospitality

South

Khosla Associates

HONORARY MENTION

Hospitality

South

Mobin & Associates

WEST – RUNNER UP

Hospitality

West

Planet 3 Studios Architecture Pvt Ltd

WEST – RUNNER UP

Hospitality

West

Dhananjay Shinde & Associates

HONORARY MENTION

Hospitality

West

Studio 3087

Hospitality

West

Studio K-7 Design Pvt Ltd

Public & Institutional Spaces

South

Jaism Fountainhead Projects Pvt Ltd

NORTH – COMMENDATION

WEST – RUNNER UP

WEST – WINNER

SOUTH – WINNER

WINNER

COMMENDATION

RUNNER UP

COMMENDATION

RUNNER UP HONORARY MENTION WEST – RUNNER UP

COMMENDATION

Public & Institutional Space

West

MO-OF

WEST – WINNER

WINNER

Public & Institutional Space

West

Nuru Karim Live

WEST – RUNNER UP

COMMENDATION

Public & Institutional Spaces

West

S.Team Design Services

WINNER

Young Interior Designer of the Year

East-North

Charged Voids

RUNNER UP

Young Interior Designer of the Year

West

Pankaj Patel & Associates (Ar.Aashish Patel Ar.Bhavesh Patel)

WINNER

Accomplished Interior Des Practice

Most practicing interior designers are trained as architects. Not many colleges/universities offer the course; and fewer still would have a good curriculum or staff. However, since about a decade or so, many have shown interest in the field, and even actually aspire to be interior designers! Also, over the past decade, there has been a huge spurt in the industry, too. There have been exceptionally creative efforts seen, across the country. This is where the role of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers really starts. It is the responsibility of the IIID to ensure that students with a flair for design are correctly guided and groomed to become professional interior designers. They must be well-versed in all aspects of design and should be able to match their skills with their counterparts, anywhere in the world. But to raise the bar to that extent – to be able to compete with the best in the world – a designer must know the level of his designing skills at a local level. The IIID MK Awards offer the best platform for this analysis. The competition calls for a submission of 3 panels: one containing the layout and relevant drawings and details; the second with project details (area, cost, and context), client’s brief and response to judging criteria; and the third with relevant colour photographs of the project. The judging criteria are: Originality / Innovation / Creativity;

East-North Lotus Design Services

Functionality / efficiency & fidelity to clients’ brief; Contextual reference & environmental concerns; Detailing / Use of materials; Cohesion to concept in design development; and Sensorial & Spatial experiences. The jurors are among the country’s topmost architects, interior designers, urban planners and landscape consultants; and that is why it is all the more essential to participate in the competition; and know where you stand in the crowd… Over the past fourteen years since their inception, each cycle of the Awards has seen some remarkable new talent being discovered. Many have then gone on to become highly reputed and successful designers in the country. Like in any examination, of course, all can not be getting the first position – or even the second, or third, for that matter. But the fear of failure should not stop anyone from appearing in the examination! In fact, not getting a prize should not be considered as failure, at all!! It is the spirit of healthy competition that needs to be fostered. Every designer needs to grow, evolve, mature. Competing against your contemporaries, juniors and seniors only helps you to Because, unless you know the level of your creative potential today, you will not know how much further you have to go… If you do not know the ‘bar’ of your design skills, how will you ‘raise the bar’??

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NORTH – WINNER

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Profile: A gold-medalist from the L.S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai, Bhavana Jacob has executed almost 150 residential and commercial interior projects. Her work has been featured in several interior design magazines in the country.

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National Runner Up Category : Residential Multi Dwelling Ar. Bhavana Jacob

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Project Concept: Hedonism Re-defined, is the concept used for the design of this 2500 sqft apartment in Mumbai. The brief was to create a high-end residential interior with an extremely luxurious feel. The Indian context had to be kept in mind, while giving an international look. The effort was to make the apartment look spacious, and thus the furniture was kept light and of a contemporary style. A variety of materials like glass, concrete, relief work in plaster of paris, and steel were proposed to create visual interest. The water body at the entrance gives a touch of Zen. Indian crafts in the form of panels of wood, stone and metal with motifs accentuate the contemporary furniture. Maximum height was retained to enjoy the overall spatial experience.

National Runner Up Category : Retail Ar. Aamir Sharma Ar. Hameeda Sharma Design Practice : Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers

Profile: Established in 2000, the firm ‘Aamir and Hameeda interior designers’ has completed more than 300 projects. Though they specialize in residential and hospitality interiors, they find it challenging to take up projects of all types. Their design style, though essentially fitting into the contemporary or classical mode, has evolved into a fusion of these extreme styles. Experimenting with various materials - wood, glass, stone and metal – they try to create a unique experience in each of their projects. Client satisfaction, creativity and quality of work are our utmost goals in every project. Project Concept: The 2700 sqft Dark Studio was conceived as a unique home accessories’ store. Black and darker shades are used as a back drop in this store, which goes against the usual norm of using lighter ones. The darker shades go very well with the style of the furniture displayed and enhance the colour and depth of the displayed accessories. Open ducts, which are powder-coated black, are used to enhance the ambience. The walls are treated with cement sheets and the ceiling with black paint. Black metallic vitrified tiles are used for flooring. All display units were made with hardwood and are cantilevered with metal brackets. The feature walls were made in plywood and special edition wallpapers were pasted. The showroom was designed such that the artifacts on sale would fit and blend with the surroundings.

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National Winner

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Category : Retail Ar. Rajan Subhedar Design Practice : Rajan Subhedar Associates

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Profile: After having worked in the leading firms (Saudi Real Estate Company and Somaya & Kalappa Consultants Pvt Ltd), for almost two decades, Ar. Rajan Subedar set up his own practice in 2005. RSA has successfully completed small and large interior projects of various types. RSA firmly believes in the application of innovative and pragmatic ideas into overall design as well as detailing. The firm seeks and delivers unusual, cost-effective and contextually appropriate solutions in each and every project; keeping in mind the requirements of the client, his budget and time constraints. Project Concept: Although we live on a spherical planet, most of the spaces are created with straight lines for maximizing its usability ... either square or rectangle. The square was thus chosen as the base for this 11076 sqft of exhibition space; meant for the display of wallpaper. It was the mix of universally appealing mathematical marvel crafted to near perfection with hand by local labour. Simple detailing was chosen to make it easier to work on site in the least possible time. Divisions with batons and raised planes were created to make it easier to fix various types of wallpaper on the murals and patterned walls on site. The design enabled the client to have optimum display space for the wallpapers; while the simplicity and elegance of the exhibition stall was appealing to the visitors.

National Runner Up Category : Retail Ambrish Arora Sidhartha Talwar Ankur Choksi Arun Kullu Rajiv Mujumdar Ajit Jain Design Practice : TLPI - The Lotus Praxis Initative

Profile: The Lotus team is headed by Ambrish Arora, Sidhartha Talwar, Ankur Choksi and Arun Kullu. A combination of their expertise in diverse disciplines - architecture, graphic design, furniture design and exhibition design enables them to create experiential spaces that blur the edge between visual communication and architecture. Praxis, led by Rajiv Mujumdar and Ajit Jain comes with its own set of skills and experience. Lotus and Praxis have collaborated intensely on projects in the domain of Retail and Hospitality projects over the past 3 years. Imbibing their individual strengths across disciplines, the vision of the collaboration, now called The Lotus-Praxis Initiative (TLPI), is to continuously stretch the boundaries of design and technology. Project Concept: Not Available

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Profile: CHARGED VOIDS is a collaboration of two young architects who started their practice just a few months after their graduation from the Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh. The firm was started in 2006, with a firm belief in their own potential to think logically and provide rational design solutions. The firm believes interior spaces to be like movies that are experienced as one moves through them… They allow light to paint their interior architecture and let it accentuate the textures of the surfaces and materials. The spaces thus undergo transformations with the changes of sun and seasons.

National Winner

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Category : Workplace Ar. Aman Aggarwal Ar. Siddarth Gaind Design Practice : Charged Voids

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Project Concept: The brief for this 970 sqft share-broker’s office was to create a modern and dynamic office with clearly segregated spaces; yet with a very strong visual connection. Hence, a concept was evolved to create an office space which is separated by translucent glass screens woven together by a single element. The dynamic and vibrant spirit of share market trading also had to be reflected. This single element was developed in the form of a band running across the length of the office, molding itself both in the horizontal and vertical planes supported on to these glass screens. The overall planning is done in a way so as to ensure a free flow in the linear space. The spatial organization is such that the largest and most frequented area, the trading hall, is situated are the end of the office, thereby ensuring that the majority of the clients go through the entire stretch of the office.

Profile: A civil engineer from M.S. University, Baroda, Dipen Gada’s interest in designing interior spaces led him to establish the design consultancy firm of Dipen Gada and Associates in 1993. The firm places great importance on qualitative and not quantitative design, specializing in contemporary and minimalistic designs that are not glamorous, but instead focus on the human aspect of interior planning.

National Runner Up Category : Workplace Dipen Gada Design Practice : Dipen Gada Associates

Project Concept: A two bedroom apartment had to be converted into an open-plan designer’s studio and office. The design was conceived to create a space that is minimalistic and contemporary through the exploration of raw, basic materials like exposed concrete, IPS, slate, Kotah and wood. The main feature of the work space is the exposed concrete slab. The firm’s profile has been cast into it. This scripting runs through the entire length of the office. An exposed plaster wall with vertical lined texture also runs through the office. Both the slab and this wall ensure that there is a connectivity and continuity between the designer’s space and the conference room. The terrace has been made into a space where its designers can unwind, or think in solitude; and where the firm can also entertain its select clients. The minimalistic approach with monochromatic color scheme of charcoal colour overall. The design elements are only three - the boxes, the handpainted wall graphics and the mirror mosaic flooring. The 800 sqft store was designed basically to attract younger and trendier customers. All the display units were finished with a grey color texture. Beads were used in display window area to add an element of fun. The USP of store is floral hand-painted graphic on wall with metallic crayons and terrazzo in floor at an angle.

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Profile: MO-OF is a collaboration of two architects – Shantanu Poredi and Manisha Agarwal. MO-OF offers integrated design for the built environment, encompassing master planning, urban design, architecture, landscape and interior design. The firm’s diverse interests include institutions, housing, high- rise buildings, interior design, exhibition design, entertainment and retail facilities, hospitality, office facilities, art, as well as academic research.

National Commendation

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Category : Workplace Ar. Shantanu Poredi Ar. Manisha Agarwal Design Practice : MO-OF

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Project Concept: The client had given a functional brief for the 8650 sqft international advertising agency office in Mumbai; with the freedom to imagine the future home of its India operations. The designers interacted with the client groups and departments to convert the functional brief into an organizational and operational solution. These were derived from a detailed understanding of several quantitative and qualitative aspects of their work environment both through interviews and observations. One of the primary observations was that the advertising sector allows for highly interactive work zones which foster creative thought processes. An investigation into the identity of the company and their work patterns helped to evolve a concept of thematic spaces which have been choreographed to express a vibrant workspace. Spaces such as ‘Event Street’ to disseminate program and news of the ad world; the notion of a ‘Town Hall’ in the form of a bridge used for announcements; the ‘Tree House’ in the form of a floating island was conceived for Ideation; an ‘Amphitheatre’ that allows for unexpected interaction and to foster spontaneous performances along with immediate viewership spaces have been created.

Profile: Established in 1995, a proprietary firm now converted into a Pvt. Ltd. company – K-7 is a design cell of young and dynamic entrepreneurs implementing innovative ideas for the finest creations. Founded by Ar. Ketan Jawdekar, the firm believes that the creation of fine architecture is comparable to writing a beautiful poem. The company’s ultimate goal is to provide complete design solutions; keeping in mind the client’s budget and individual taste. Optimum utilization of available resources is the key factor, which ensures work and client satisfaction – in the creation of rewarding structures with world class designs.

National Runner Up Category : Hospitality Ar. Ketan Jawdekar Design Practice : Studio K-7 Designs Pvt. Ltd.

Project Concept: This 12375 sqft restaurant was supposed to serve pan Asian cuisine. Located on the roof-top of a commercial centre, it had an enclosed space of 5875 sqft and an open-air terrace of 6500 sqft. The client needed an area for a fine-dine restaurant, another for an open-air lounge and another space to organize banquets or have open-air dining on weekends. So the entire space was to be divided into three – without losing the continuity of the spatial experience. The positioning of the existing services imposed division of spaces which were difficult to merge with the flow in totality. Creating poetry by smooth transition of spaces, without compromising on the functionality was the challenge. The restaurant decor portrays the Oriental philosophy of The Absolute, Timeless Communication, and The Real World; combined together quite ingeniously offering a functional and visual delight.

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Profile: Graduating as an architect from the Pratt Institute, New York, Sandeep Khosla returned to India and worked as an associate with architect Charles Correa in Mumbai. Thereafter, he established Khosla Associates in Bangalore in 1995. The team at Khosla Associates has a distinct style of tropical residential architecture; using local materials and concepts, but reinterpreting them with an innovative and contemporary design sensibility. The firm’s interest in global/local trends in fashion, lifestyle and design is reflected in their varied palette of interior projects ranging from corporate offices to lounge bars and restaurants and in the retail sphere by redefining the ‘look’ for major brands.

National Commendation

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Category : Hospitality Ar. Sandeep Khosla Ar. Amaresh Anand Design Practice : Khosla Associates

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Project Concept: In the second of these Pan-Asian restaurants to come up in Bangalore, India, the piece-de-resistance is a monumental 25’ high head of a Balinese consort, adorned with rows of golden teardrops hanging from her neck. The larger-than-life imposing head, centered within the dining area has a soothing aura that emanates to the rest of the space, flanked on either side by two full-figured Balinese consorts dropping water from earthen vessels into a channel of water filled with pebbles, lotuses and water plants. The feeling in this 8000 sqft bar/restaurant is surreal – a fantasy woven around the designer’s travels and inspirations from south-east Asia. There are strong Pan-Asian overtones and clever contemporary reinterpretations of traditional Japanese, Chinese and Balinese elements, creating a hybrid and exciting mix of elements within the space’s lofty setting.

Profile: After doing his architecture from KRVIA Mumbai, Nuru Karim did his masters in Architecture and Urbanism from United Kingdom Architectural Association, AADRL, London; where he also got a work experience with Zaha Hadid Associates. LIVE (Laboratory for Interactive Visionary Environments); is committed to a culture of debate, innovation and the rigorous exploration of space. It celebrates ‘inquiry’ through research and design that is essential to both pedagogy and the practice of architecture and urbanism.

National Winner Category : Public and Institutional Space Ar. Nuru Karim Design Practice : LIVE

Project Concept: Blurring traditional boundaries between an art display space and a commercial gallery, the gallery housed in a heritage structure, includes in its programme, a unique art bookshop with a dedicated reading area and onsite cafe. The holistic concept for the gallery is to be a truly interactive space - a cultural hub that serves as meetingpoint for artists, collectors and students, and fosters an approach of reading/research to cultivate new collectors. The programmatic organization of the 4500 sqft gallery space consists of installation spaces, video installations, smaller gallery spaces for small art works, a cafe, book store, administration area, and storage spaces. Conceptually the project paints layers of opacity within the confines of the gallery space. The clean stark display panels within the gallery space fold back into tessellated skins with differentiated perforations ranging from 5mm to 50mm.The clean minimal gallery walls are offset by the tessellated skin within the book store, information desk and café space. The tessellated perforated panels are interlaced throughout the street frontage.

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National Commendation

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Category : Public and Institutional Space Ar. Shantanu Poredi Ar. Manisha Agarwal Design Practice : MO-OF

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Profile: MO-OF is a collaboration of two architects – Shantanu Poredi and Manisha Agarwal. MO-OF offers integrated design for the built environment, encompassing master planning, urban design, architecture, landscape and interior design. The firm’s diverse interests include institutions, housing, high- rise buildings, interior design, exhibition design, entertainment and retail facilities, hospitality, office facilities, art, as well as academic research. Project Concept: Not Available

Profile: S.Team, founded by Ar. Snehal Shah, is a group of professionals trained in diverse fields such as graphics, interior design, architecture, urban design, having a common concern – to stretch the meaning of the word ‘DESIGN’ to its limits in all the spheres of life. The architect-urban designer, Snehal Shah believes in addressing micro-level design issues; and has a flair for energy efficient design, project management and design development.

National Commendation Category : Public and Institutional Space Ar. Snehal Shah Design Practice : S. Team Design Services

Project Concept: The brief was to design the interior and exhibition space of the newly constructed 20000 sqft museum building in the complex of the Science Centre at Surat. The new building was constructed in form-finished RCC by the architect; and S. Team decided to retain the original finish. The main challenge was to dispel the general notion about museums being boring; and create a space that would draw people towards it. The aim was to design an innovative system for display and lighting that gives immense flexibility to the curator to accommodate change of display, the space sizes and the circulation pattern; to do justice to the immensely valuable collection by giving adequate space and information to each item on display; and to create an audio-video experience that would attract lot of people who do not prefer reading the information. Thus the concept evolved where the space is divided in two levels with a central ramp connecting the two levels; and the design consists of 3 major elements: The Flexible Display Panel System; The Egg: A/V Room; and The Heritage Wall.

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National Winner

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Category : Young Interior Designer of The Year Ar. Aman Aggarwal Ar. Siddarth Gaind Design Practice : Charged Voids

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Profile: CHARGED VOIDS is a collaboration of two young architects who started their practice just a few months after their graduation from the Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh. The firm was started in 2006, with a firm belief in their own potential to think logically and provide rational design solutions. The firm believes interior spaces to be like movies that are experienced as one moves through them… They allow light to paint their interior architecture and let it accentuate the textures of the surfaces and materials. The spaces thus undergo transformations with the changes of sun and seasons.

insite story National Runner up Category : Young Interior Designer of The Year Pankaj Patel Ar. Ashish Patel Design Practice : Pankaj Patel & Associates

Profile: After apprenticing with a few architectural firms, Ar. Ashish Patel joined the structural design firm Pankaj Patel & Associates in 2005. This is a complete architectural and interior design project handled by him. Project Concept: The 2678 sqft residence was a small space to be designed on a low budget. But as natural light is a free resource, the building is flooded with natural light and along with that, the creation of bright and clean interior spaces keeps the home visually interesting and appealing for long. The purity of spaces is retained – so one can listen to the light and see the silence too. The right composition of colours offers serenity; the interplay of light and natural materials induces a sense of contemplation.

National Winner

Profile: Headed by Ambrish Arora, Sidhartha Talwar, Ankur Choksi and Arun Kullu, the 15 member design team at Lotus hails from diverse disciplines of Architecture, Graphic Design, Furniture design and Exhibition design.

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Category : Accomplished Interior In the 6 years of its existence it has come to specialize in creating boutique experiences Design Practice Ambrish Arora Ar. Sidhartha Talwar Ankur Choksi Arun Kullu Design Practice : Lotus Design Services

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in the domain of Retail and Hospitality Interiors. Committed to producing a result that derives itself from the requirements of the project, the team prides itself for not having a signature style.

South Commendation Category : Residential Multi Dwelling Ar. Aamir Sharma Ar. Hammeda Sharma Design Practice : Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers

Profile: Established in 2000, the firm ‘Aamir and Hameeda interior designers’ has completed more than 300 projects. Though they specialize in residential and hospitality interiors, they find it challenging to take up projects of all types. Their design style, though essentially fitting into the contemporary or classical mode, has evolved into a fusion of these extreme styles. Experimenting with various materials - wood, glass, stone and metal – they try to create a unique experience in each of their projects. Client satisfaction, creativity and quality of work are our utmost goals in every project. Project Concept: The client wanted a minimal and modern look for this 1800 sq ft apartment, with tiny windows, overlooking a great view. A New York style grunge look with a slight Asian feel was conceived. The walls with tiny windows were brought down and were replaced with huge glass panes, in order to exploit the view. Also warm wood tones were used to counter the cold glass feel. Interesting artwork was selected for the walls; including a view of Manhattan skyline and one of a spiral staircase in the dining room. They gave a lot of depth and also helped to give a chic look.

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South Winner

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Category : Residential Single Dwelling Ar. Girish Dariyav Karnawat Design Practice : GDK Designs Collaborative

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Profile: After graduating from CEPT, Ahmedabad in 1992, Girish Karnawat established his firm GDK Designs Collaborative in 2001. Primarily concentrating on private clients and houses, the firm has worked from and built in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Alibag, Goa and Mangalore. The firm offers ‘comprehensive design & build’ services, carrying out complete project management for executing commissioned works, and also engaging in turnkey contract at times. While the design scope encompasses architecture, landscape, interior design, furniture and also products, all processes and resources on site are monitored personally by GDK. Project Concept: The client wanted a holiday home which could merge with the overall context and yet have a contemporary feel. The 100’x30’rectangular site, is located at a threshold: the village behind and the beach further below. It is oriented east-west in length, opening to the sea in the west. The uniqueness of the context evokes distinction in response. The intent is to be in touch with nature, whether inside or outside the house. The interior design, therefore, is as synchronous to the architectural processes as it is to landscaping, forming a comprehensive design approach. The interior scales of this living pavilion have been arrived at by diffusing the density of the Portuguese villa’s high volumes by creating large columnar openings and also by preventing the roof from sitting on the wall. Myriad fragments – offering varied scales and textures, light and vistas, forms and spaces – create a beautiful and dynamic interior space.

Profile: Not available

South Commendation Category : Residential Single Dwelling Raaj Sree Ram Design Practice : Form & Space

Project Concept: The client’s brief was to adhere to the Vasthu consultant’s suggestions to the hilt, without as much as deviating even slightly in the levels, positions of doors and windows, including their sizes. The designers used every limitation as a challenge to create interesting spaces for the client. The objective was to focus on the details, as the layout was restricted or rather dictated by the Vasthu pandit. Starting with the ground floor which has the open staircase leading to the first floor, we have clad the wall adjoining the marble steps with composite white marble engraved in a floral pattern giving it an embossed look. Further down, into the ground floor was the formal drawing room which had the entrance directly from the parking area. A sit-out was provided in front of the drawing room by creating a raised deck to demarcate the same from the parking and also provided a screen between the sit out and the parking. On the first floor, the client needed a small office through which you enter the dining area and the kitchen thereon.

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Profile: DSP Design Associates Pvt. Ltd. is the coming together of young, talented and highly creative architects. Since its inception in 1988, the firm has carried out several prestigious projects, both in architecture and interior design and developed a reputation for offering innovative design concepts as well as completing projects on time and within budgets.Meticulous and lateral thinking shape their designs; while selection of appropriate materials and maintaining high standards of workmanship ensures a finished product of excellent quality. To facilitate systematic co-ordination they have offices in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

South Commendation

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Category : Workplace Ar. Payal Sandhu Khurana Design Practice : DSP Design Associates Pvt. Ltd

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Project Concept: This 157000 sqft office of an MNC in the internet services sector is located in a tech-park. The office interiors had to reflect the company’s global identity; as well as their youth-based fun culture, incorporating the Indian ethos. The office interiors are designed as per LEED CI guidelines and certification process is underway at present. The rating worked upon is Gold (32-41). An innovative and unique design based on the concept of ‘form follows function’ has evolved; which highlights the company’s philosophy of a fun and vibrant work culture. The open office is designed as a community hub to foster collaboration between teams and its in-built flexibility allows for future modularity. Stimulating spaces for collaborative work have been created on every floor. India-centric graphics have been conceptualized, with motifs in different colours for each floor. Innovation is also used in creating a flexible workstation system which is conducive to moving from individual to team working environment.

Profile: After graduating from MIT, Manipal, Ar. Anshul Chodha worked with Khosla Associates in Bangalore for 6 years. In August 2003, he established his own practice as Sanctuary architecture & design. With the primary offerings of architecture and spatial design services, Sanctuary today has diverse clientele spanning across multiple sectors both India and abroad. The firm’s mission is to create spaces of the highest quality, which can stand the test of time, and enhance the functionality and efficiency of the purpose for which they have been created.

South Commendation Category : Hospitality Ar. Anshul Chodha Design Practice : Sanctuary architecture & design

Project Concept: The idea was to create a fine-dine restaurant with a quiet and elegant ambience that allows its clients to elevate into a captive and meditative mood. Briefed to design a thematic Indian fine dine restaurant, the concept has been inspired from the serene monotone and incredibly detailed legacy of Indian temple architecture. The 13’ ceiling and a 6000 sqft hexagonal plan allowed the designers to maximize visual exaggeration on the horizontal as well as vertical axis. White fiberglass columns float on a water-body that defines the central corridor within the space. The corridor is doubly highlighted by the gold metal strips that run along its length on the ceiling. Metal lotus flowers spring out from the water-body enhancing the weightlessness and buoyancy aspect of the space. The furniture too is a subtle mix of white and gold with the bar taking center-stage with a predominance of gold.

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West Runner Up

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Category : Residential Multi Dwelling Ar. Ashutosh Wad, Ar. Manjunath Hathwar Design Practice : Space Dynamix

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Profile: The firm established in April 2006, has completed a wide range of interior projects and is also handling architectural projects like malls, offices, bungalows and apartment buildings, within Mumbai and also beyond. The firm believes in providing a complete design solution with emphasis on satisfying client requirements in a unique and distinct manner, amalgamating various design elements into a homogenous ‘whole’ in a minimalist and contemporary idiom; also incorporating the latest that technology has to offer. Project Concept: Black was to be the predominant colour throughout the residence. A rich and elegant look with minimal fuss was expected with a swanky, young look for the children’s bedroom. A minimalist approach with clear lines and easily differentiated planes characterized by the use of varying finishes is employed to achieve a sleek, stark look. Various materials in black and grey are contrasted by the use of rich colours like mauve and purple in the furnishings. Strategic use of lights to accentuate wallpapers and décor elements adds to the ambience of the space. The dining area is centrally placed and thus forms a junction for all the areas in the house. It also exhibits plurality in texture while maintaining continuity of material and colour. The children’s room has been dominated by a huge “Harley Davidson” vinyl-painted panel that forms a backdrop for the cantilevered sculpted black Corian beds which seem to burst out from the wall.

Profile: Not Available

West Commendation Category : Residential Multi Dwelling Ar. Suresh Mistry & Ar. Meghana Shetty Design Practice : S M Studio

Project Concept: The luxurious, stylist apartment is located in suburban Mumbai. The 2200sq.ft two-tier apartment impresses a vocabulary that goes beyond the call of a luxuriant quotient In keeping with growing needs and changing mind sets. The philosophy on design was to challenge notions of tradition ensuring the purpose of the space and the requirements of the dent were met as well .It was through articulation of volumes, spatial relationships, light, tone and texture that we have delivered, considered Interior design solutions which were a direct response to the design brief. The elements are designated to flow and blur the boundaries of the space, thus also binding the house together. The warm textural palette is well appointed to transform a blank canvas into a space that reflects the client’s personality sophisticated, classy, and energetic. The floor and furniture is suited to retain an uncluttered, highly functional virtue of the space. The overall look and feel is minimalist. Seamlessness is attempted to a maximum scale with use of large masses of glass – a part of stairwell and frameless demarcations of kitchen below and study above.

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West Runner Up

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Category : Retail Ar. Dipen Gada Design Practice : Dipen Gada & Associates

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Profile: A civil engineer from M.S. University, Baroda, Dipen Gada’s interest in designing interior spaces led him to establish the design consultancy firm of Dipen Gada and Associates in 1993. Starting from a small firm with 2 designers, DGA has grown into a multi-faceted firm comprising of a strong design and support team. Since then the firm has become one of the leading interior design firms in Baroda. It places great importance on qualitative and not quantitative design, specializing in contemporary and minimalistic designs that are not glamorous, but instead focus on the human aspect of interior planning. Project Concept: The minimalistic approach with monochromatic color scheme of charcoal colour overall. The design elements are only three - the boxes, the hand-painted wall graphics and the mirror mosaic flooring. The 800 sqft store was designed basically to attract younger and trendier customers. All the display units were finished with a grey color texture. Beads were used in display window area to add an element of fun. The USP of store is floral hand-painted graphic on wall with metallic crayons and terrazzo in floor at an angle.

West Runner Up Category : Hospitality Ar. Santha Gour Mathoo Design Practice : Planet 3 Studios Architecture Pvt. Ltd.

Profile: Planet 3 Studios is a design studio where creativity, skill and knowledge are essentials and everybody is encouraged to bring an attitude to work. Here, experienced architects and interior designers work in a communized environment, discussing and sharing insights. This reflects in the design output that is fresh and modern with a contemporary accent. The firm aims to focus on the context, the client and the realities of budget and time. Established 8 yrs ago, the firm has completed a wide variety of projects - from educational institutions to nightclubs - and gets energized with new challenges; and with the cross-fertilization of ideas, between the diverse project sectors. Project Concept: Based on the client’s brief several options were worked out. Once the ‘aqua’ theme was finalized, it was then taken onto a level where designs with detail drawings, sections, elevations, plans were made. Thematically, the design of this 160 sqft bar draws from the many moods of water. Placid, stirred or agitated, water offers myriad existences to evoke and suggest. More abstractly, water expresses seamlessness, continuity and ability to find balance. The effort in the design is to make positive associations of water with calm repose and the nourishment of body and soul. Various materials and textures and innovative ideas have helped create the visual experience of water – the sea on the ceiling, water cascades on the sides, and melting ice on the tables.

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Profile: After graduating from the Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture, Dhananjay Shinde established the firm Dhananjay M Shinde Architects Planners, in Nashik, in 1990. The firm strives to produce work that is creative, practical and economical, while keeping in mind the social, economic, environmental and aesthetic issues relevant to each project. The firm has handled many different project types including residential, health care, commercial, industrial, interiors, educational, restorations and renovations.

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Category : Hospitality Ar. Dhananjay Shinde Design Practice : Dhananjay Shinde & Associates

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Project Concept: The 5000 sqft restaurant is located in a structure built in the middle to the late seventies. The restaurant was not a part of the original structure. Four rooms of varied sizes were delegated for the restaurant. This resulted in unequal bays and sizes of columns. The height along the entire front verandah was a meager 8 feet with tin roofing. A variety of civil repair works had to be carried out to rectify the structural problems such as sinking of the plinth, waterproofing of the terrace etc. Order without diversity can result in monotony. Diversity without order can produce chaos. A sense of unity with variety is the ideal. The ordering principles are visual devices that allow the varied and diverse forms and spaces within a building to co exist perpetually and conceptually within an ordered, unified, and harmonious whole. And thus the concept is based on the ordering principles of axis, texture, hierarchy, rhythm, repetition, datum, transformation.The low budget and the civil repair work gave rise to the concept for the restaurant; and a total sensorial and spatial experience is achieved.

North Commendation Category : Residential Multi Dweling Ranit Maiti, Subhrajit Gunkar Mitra Design Practice : Square Consultancy Services

Profile: Headed by the two partners, the firm (established in October 2008) comprises of young, enthusiastic architects and interior designers and has collaborated with experienced structural, electrical and other allied consultants. In its short tenure it has a range of projects including shopping complexes, resorts, individual residences and apartments. Project Concept: The idea was to create an ambience that remains sympathetic to the traditional Indian arts displayed within the urban texture of a typical Kolkata residence – and within a modest budget. The use of an earthy palette, local arts and artifacts, along with low-height furniture which helps to present a relatively free visual field; have created a strong visual impact. The artifacts were however chosen from a wide palette of wood, metal, and clay. Indian arts like Dokra, Longpi and Warli as well as traditional Bengali paintings were used. Chiks were used instead of curtains or blinds.Lower overall energy consumption was one of the primary concerns; so even lights were designed to achieve both the ambient and highlighter effects. The design was conceived in its totality and it was addressed to unite all the different elements like the walls, furniture, artifacts and upholstery under the earthy palette. The teenager’s bedroom, however, has a contemporary feel; though it is unified through the flooring, window chiks and warm lights.

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Profile: Formerly known as Keystone Interiors is a design organization providing consultancy for Architecture, Interiors Design, and turnkey projects. Founded by Mrs. Suchitra Singh, the firm creates designs that maximize the positive impact of design on the environment, use appropriate technologies and materials and source labour locally. The organization has evolved as a multidisciplinary practice with a rapidly growing portfolio; and is garnering extensive experience as primary consultants, or in joint ventures with other design houses.

North Runner Up

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Category : Residential Single Dweling Suchitra Singh Design Practice : Keystone Interiors

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Project Concept: The clients wanted a contemporary look all over; with distinctly different spaces for entertaining, so that they do not compromise the privacy of the living spaces. The site is at the end of a quiet private road and adjacent to a green belt area; the building was therefore elevated by about five feet to be able to enjoy the view. The basement was used to house a home theatre, bar, pool table and a small swimming pool while the formal living, dining and lounge is on the ground floor allowing two generations to have their own spaces. Energy efficient features like maximum usage of natural light, and motion sensitive doors and energy-saving lights which only light up when necessary; have been used. While every residential project requires some degree of co-operation among, the participants the exceptional trust and chemistry between the owners, designer and workers have created this stylish and warm home.

North Winner Category : Retail Varsha Sharma Shweta Chaudhari Kiran Tiwari Design Practice : Space_Design & Associates

Profile: Established in 2008, SPACE_DESIGN & Associates is an emerging design firm headed by designer trio Varsha Sharma, Shweta Chaudhari and Kiran Tiwari. The firm specializes in providing consultancy in interior designing and project management. The partners believe in conceptualizing and building spaces that are functionally innovative and aesthetically appropriate. With each new project they try to explore new materials and forms, construction techniques and global trends. The organization strives to create powerful and clear design solutions custom-built to suit the requirements of each project and client. Project Concept: For this showroom for cellular phones, the client wanted something simple, subtle and contemporary. With an open-plan working system, the basic layout segregates wall display and counter display along the walls. The concept is focused on highlighting both display systems, without cluttering the space. Curved ceiling plane merges with wall painted in white with self-detail of beading on it, which creates an interesting backdrop for the counter area, while coloured wallpaper attracts attention towards the wall display. The shades of blue used in the interior relate to the brand identity of the company.

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Profile: Spaces Architects was established in March 1999 with a mission of creating sensible, functional spaces enhanced by the intangible sense of emotion, of power, of playfulness. This results in architecture that can be extraordinary responding to your unique needs throughout the design process, is just as much an architect’s mission as shaping aesthetically inspired built environment through communication. The firm was founded by Kapil Aggarwal and Nikhil Kant, both graduates from Manipal Institute of Technology.

North Runner Up

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Category : Retail Ar. Kapil Aggarwal Ar. Nikhil Kant Design Practice : Spaces Architects

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Project Concept: A 1615 sqft area in the basement of the up-market South Delhi was to be designed as a studio exclusively displaying tiles and kitchens. The client wanted to have a “wow effect” inside the showroom. The basic requirement was to fit in a reception area, 3 kitchen displays, a display area for tiles and 2 conference areas for 2-3 people, and a back office with 2 workstations.Functionally, the entrance leads into a transitional space, then to the tiles display area and kitchen area on either side. As the store was meant for displaying an exclusive range of tiles, different ways have been used to highlight them; while they also add color and substance to the space. The kitchen area has a unique feature of a metal tree which continues from the floor to the base of a table and further on to the ceiling. The reception table has been kept bold as it is the first thing which one sees while entering into the showroom.

North Commendation Category : Retail Vistasp Bhagwagar Design Practice : Architects Vistasp & Associates

Profile: Founded in 1999, AVA is one of the leading agencies in the space design arena. AVA was founded by Vistasp Bhagwagar, a Double Gold Medalist from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi (1991) and a Masters Degree post graduate in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University in UK. AVA has an innate ability to perceive the needs of the clients, and to evolve and adapt to suit their requirements and fulfill/ exceed their expectations and aspirations. Their philosophy of design combines critical thinking and active implementation of innovation and inquiry. Teamwork and Creativity are the core processes that guide their design solutions. Project Concept: The 2800 sqft showroom has been designed in a manner to maximize the impact and space within an available double height area. Functionally the lower level is for Car Display with the upper level is for client interaction. The upper deck has a lounge like space with large plasma viewing, cafeteria, kiosk and an interactive touch panel discussion zone.A lot of structural detailing has gone into creating the mezzanine deck which is supported of the walls with a single column support only, and therefore seems to float in the double-height space. The two levels, thus created, talk with each other in a very dramatic manner with various elements such as the perforated pipe cluster and the crumpled wall forming an artistic connectivity between the two! The showroom creates a wonderful experience for the first time visitor and leaves an impact that is permanent.

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Profile: A frontline organization rendering complete design and management solutions, through extensive research and innovation, Abin Design Studio is a joint venture company with Touchpoint – a division of Rediffusion DYR Group. Headquartered in Mumbai and with offices in Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the firm has a pan-India presence in various areas of design – architecture, interior design, exhibition spaces, industrial design and graphic design.

North Commendation

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Category : Workplace Abin Chaudhri Design Practice : Abin Design Studio

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Project Concept: The client wanted his 3300 sqft office to have dynamic spaces, each with a distinct visual identity. Thus the concept of fragmental geometry evolved; and a crumpled ball of paper became an iconic model for the office, helping to change the dynamics of space. Linear planning pushed the cabins and conference rooms to the periphery and the workstations to the centre. A meeting room just behind the reception prevents unwanted intrusion into the inner office area. The fragmental geometry breaks the monotony of the linearity and adds new dimensions to the space.Colour and lighting play an important role in this design and have been used to create a different feel to the different spaces. The predominantly white office is complimented by glass partitions in different colours; thereby creating a lively and energetic atmosphere for working. Dark colours have been used in the MD’s cabins to create a sophisticated yet down-to-earth feel. Perforated screens have been used as visual barriers separating the workstations from the passage. Placed in the corners they smartly demarcate the two spaces. Graphics on the wall add to the ambience of the conference rooms and cafeteria.

Profile: Established in 2003, Yantra Architects have been practicing architecture, interior designing, landscaping, as well as graphics and product designing. Their projects include residences, restaurants, lounge bars, cafés, conference rooms, health centres, corporate offices, clinics, institutes and commercial complexes.

North Commendation Category : Hospitality Ar. Sourav Ghosh Choudhury Ar. Sarbani Ghosh Choudhury Ar. Arjun Mukerji Design Practice : Yantra Architects

Project Concept: The client needed a restaurant with around 70 covers with a semisecluded family sitting area, and some lounge sitting near the bar. The look had to be rich, elegant, and contemporary.Black, white and gold palette with diverse surface textures and accent lighting provide a sense of luxury; use of rectilinear lines, pure circles and platonic forms derived of them render elegance and simplicity; special emphasis on demarcation of spatial units helps to preserve the volumetric experience of the place. Floor space is divided into rectilinear units separated with luminescent stacked glass partitions and sheer thread curtains; providing privacy but preserving openness. Different flooring materials demarcate the spaces: wooden laminate in lounge and bar, black slate in restaurant, rustic vitrified tiles in the central aisle. The aisle is reflected on the ceiling in the form of a wooden pergola. Further textural interest is provided by polished wood veneer juxtaposed with corrugated boards and metallic laminates inb walls, series of copper bowls and glass jars fitted to select panels, metal disc curtains and vinyl patterns on window Danes. Wall niches with artifacts double up as light sources. The chairs and tables are rectilinear , the sofas & the bar counter are cuboid, and the poof are cylinders around circular glass tables.

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