A DIVE INTO AMERICAN CULTURE

The Eaters New York, a thematic café spread across 800 sq.ft. of area, presents to its audience an innovative and cultural theme of America, as is suggestive from the logo of the franchise. The décor and the entire design ambiance, has been pivoted around the concept of imparting a modern appeal with a hint of industrial design following the main colour scheme of the logo. Abiding by the cuisine that the café serves, i.e; the American comfort food, distinct facets have been implemented in the design scheme to render it with a perceivable aura for the customers.

The Design Style and Concept

The design style adapted, features an inevitable influence of the genre of the menu, thus blending the décor to create a milieu that is as ravishing as the dishes. The colour palette employed uses tones of clouded grey, bright orange and leafy greens. Being in complement with the aforesaid environ, the scheme of colours bind the space with informality and exuberance. From the inception of the space design to the intricate details inculcated as a part of the entire set-up, it emerges as a harmonious arena that is highly relatable.

Zoning of the Spaces

At the outset itself, an LED flag of America has been mounted, at a particular angle of vision  such that it is the first accentuating feature that catches the glimpse of any individual entering the restaurant. The most crucial role an entrance plays in a restaurant design, is to generate a welcoming feel. This particular asset caters to such a perception and hence accomplishes its requirement of being placed at the onset. The design exquisitely amalgamates a plethora of furnishings, including high seating, chair seating and sofa seating, that has effectively complemented the adaptability of design elements with the adornment. As one progresses into the main restaurant area, thematic representations appear in an arrangement that further imbibes an individual to linger their thoughts and relish the space along with the cuisine.The preeminent feature of the composition is the main counter wall. Being in direct prospect  of any individual as he enters the exemplary sector, this facet of the design, features leveled MDF Board with a wooden texture. It evidently compliments the tinge of continuing greenery on the upper front of the wall, harmoniously blended to render the space with a sense of vitality.

Innovation

The primary celling height was 8’6” and hence the planning does not involve an additional false ceiling as that would further reduce the volume and result in a feeling of congestion. The open ceiling, showcasing the industrial pipes, not only adds to the quirk but also proves to serve the functionality with subtlety and brilliance.

The décor has been prudently utilised inculcating a variety of seating options which cater to a larger diversity of customers. The equilibrium of design is established through wood textured chairs and tinted sofas complemented with pure white high chairs and table tops. Supplementary unconventionality added through the pastel green tables teaming up with the continuing touch of greenery, is evenly balanced and concocted to form a picturesque view. The classic track lighting provided has been dramatically resorted to accentuate the baroque details of the explicit design idea.

A Confluence of Design and Hospitality - The Janak

The Janak had been a popular single screen theater of Delhi, which has now been revamped and replaced by an International Multiplex –Cineapolis, with world-class amenities. The client wanted a quirky food court, with a seamless transition between the movie theater and dining area. The audience at The Janak, not only includes families but youngsters due to its close proximity to eminent schools and colleges of Delhi.

Design Idea

It’s a fact that Indians love Bollywood and “The Janak - Food Court” is one of a kind food court in India themed on the same. Detaching from the monotonous public food court design – the food court at “The Janak” is designed to be colourful, inviting, quirky and vibrant. The food court on the ground floor and the cinema on the first, are planned to be translating a sense of continuity between both the community spaces.

The key differentiating features of the food court includes  -Customized 55 Feet Wall Art themed on our love for Bollywood showcasing tug of war for food between Bollywood heroes and villains. Customized lights based on Bollywood Movie themes and hanging sculptures at the entry are other intriguing design elements added to decor of the building.

Material & Technology

 A predicament encountered was with extra number of pillars that the space constituted. Expertly incorporated, the pillars were made to look as the feature of the whole space by using customized MDF pixel boxes diffusing warm light to create a vibrant environment. The floor plan was designed to fit in maximum seating of 220 seats. Tolex stools have been added to a linear orange 55 feet table to accommodate a large number of people

 We also employed 5 different kinds of flooring options in the space however, the highlight are the 2500 triangular pieces (with 3 different colours) designed to accentuate the area bordering the kiosks of the food joints.

Project Highlights

Lights – 

36 pieces of custom lights have been designed ranging from 1 feet to 36 feet. The lights and the flooring continue in the same triangular synchronization. The pillars are the feature of the space as they are beautified with alabaster sheets and pixilated mdf (from screens) backlit with led.

Wall Art –

A 55 feet wall art was specially designed to portray the main essence of the space. It showcases a tug of war over food between the famous Bollywood heroes and villains.

Sculptures –

The facade of the building features a glass installation – 50 ft. high.  This prominent feature of The Janak exhibits human sculpture climbing the ropes, signifying the heights that the existing The Janak Cinema had achieved over a period of time. The sculptures have been placed at different heights with the best view from the first level of the building supporting this all glass enclosure.

FACT FILE

Project Name: The Janak Food Court
Location: New Delhi
Client: Skipper Properties Pvt. Ltd.
Design Team: UdaaiBatra, UB Design
Commencement Date: December 2017
Completion Date: MARCH 2018
Area: 20250 Sq. Ft.

 The magnificent Janak Cinema multiplex in Janakpuri has total 4 Screens with 740 seating capacity. The theater offers an exceptional 3D experience with Real D 3D technology in 2 screens and 100 percent digital projection in all its screens. The flagship F&B offering from Cinépolis – Coffee Tree offers delectable gourmet food that endeavours to provide enhanced cine experience for Delhites like never before.

THE POWER OF ART IN COMMERCIAL SPACE

In this technologically advanced tide that we all are a part of, it has been inculcated in us that art is something confined only to the edifices of galleries and to certain other spaces where the sole motive of the art is to be nothing more than just an accentuating object. It is no more an inspiration that runs through the brush or an expression that is unfathomable and unstoppable. IT is no longer a part of the magnanimous structures that bind the facade of your society in one thread of 'modernisation'.

The impact of art and design in commercial space is often underestimated. Splashes of colour in a painting can alter the mood of a dull salon or retail store, as can a piece of unusual artwork can provide a talking point in a bland corporate space. But can artwork have a direct impact on commercial spaces and their functionality? It seems the answer is yes. 

The notion that art in a commercial space is merely decorative and does not prove to be of any function has been dispelled by the fact that art in commercial space helps businesses address key challenges such as reducing stress, increasing creativity and encouraging expression of opinions. At a time when people increasingly want to work remotely and individualism is on the rise, art is a way of retaining thoughts, generating new ideas and encouraging the workforce to function efficiently

Art may be perceived as the deliberate attempt to a stray the focus of an individual from a confined motive to a brainstorm of thoughts. Art is the only language that communicates to millions of minds in their own unique terms.

Most designers consciously use art as part of their design element when designing commercial spaces, and organisations are moving away from seeing commercial art as purely an aesthetic choice, a trivial matter or an insignificant add-on. Those organisations that fully appreciate the benefits of displaying art through paintings, prints, photographs or sculpture in their offices – induce a positive impact that art has on their workforce – and give themselves a significant advantage over their competitors.

Current trends in the field of design suggest that art and design in a commercial space is highly under-rated. We at UB Designs, try to imbibe art in every project, making it meaningful by exuberating client’s goal, achievements and ethos through them.

We have enumerated the importance of why organisations and designers should specify more art in a commercial space:

ART MAKES A STATEMENT ABOUT A COMMERCIAL SPACE’S DESIGN –

An intelligently-curated art collection can reflect a company’s history and demonstrate its character, style and spirit to employees, clients, partners and prospects. In receptions, boardrooms and every other area of the workplace, a carefully selected piece of art can send a clear, yet subtle, message to those who see it, expressing and reinforcing brand values if appropriate.

ART ENGAGES STAFF -

Art can offer a highly effective remedy to the problem of engaging staff working in a commercial space. The staff feels more engaged and connected to the organisation and their efficiency can also increase. Offering users, a choice in the art they would like to see in their space is one of the many realistic ways to give them a say in the aesthetics of their workplace environment and show that the management of an organisation cares about and trusts its employees.

ART IMPACTS BUSINESS -

A small increase in the productivity of workers due to art and design has a cascading effect bringing prosperity and productivity. This in turn brings huge financial benefits to an organisation as a whole. Employees and users thrive in a positive and optimistic environment, and research suggests that having art in commercial spaces increases creativity, efficiency and even productivity.

DISPLAYING A SPECTACULAR ART COLLECTION TRASCENDS BEYOND COMMERCIAL VALUES

Many companies baulk at the idea of art in the workplace since the word itself conjures up images of a huge expense coming their way that would cost them a fortune, on the other hand a better design and tastefully selected art pieces in a commercial space would enhance the functionality and overall experience of the space, transcending beyond their commercial value.

Any architectural space is in the end dedicated towards the actions of, by and for the users of the space. Commercial spaces too, thus, have the consolidated need of rendering their surroundings in such a manner so as to enhance the activities of its users and art plays a significant role in making any space naturally humane. It successfully adds to the liveability quotient and hence results in creating an environment which in true essence is 'work-friendly'.

Design In Retail - Reeti Arneja

Retail Design is visceral in nature. Apart from creating a good-looking store with aesthetically pleasing displays, retail store design is a well-thought-out strategy to set up a store in a way to optimize space and sales so that even if a salesman is unavailable, the store can engage its customers sell itself. The way a store is set up can help establish brand identity.

Retail Design began to grow in the middle of 19th century. That was when the chain stores began to evolve. In the 1960s, retail design saw another evolution with the creation of boutiques. Retail design revolves around basic five principles-

·        Explicate Space- The overall area is defined by fine geometry and sharp edges. The use of mirror adds depth and its strategic placement helps to enhance the intensity of the corridor.

·        Organize Space- The arrangement of shelves on either sides leaves a void in the centre creating the ease of movement for customers.

·        Sequential Experience- Keeping the customers thought process in mind, the retailers know what products to be placed in which part of the store, so as to make the former move around the whole area.

·        Visual Merchandising- Windows are the eyes of a retail store and should hence; tell a story that is carried through the space. The trick is to explore creative interpretations, while always placing the product at the heart of the display.

·        Customer Participation- It is important for a retail store to slow down the customer and the key to doing that lies in putting large, eye- catching display at the entrance.

Once the overall structure and circulation of the space has been determined, the atmosphere and thematic of the space must be created through lighting, sound, materials and visual branding. These design elements will cohesively have the greatest impact on the consumer and thus the level of productivity that could be achieved.

I thought of providing maximum natural light and that was achieved by all glass facades. It also enabled to provide customers with an unobstructed look of the interiors.

 The availability of natural light in the store adds clarity and interest to the space and also helps customers in examining the quality of merchandise. The next important feature was the lighting. With dramatic use of chandeliers, brass spotlights and antique wall lights, the colour of lights being yellow, a festive and celebratory semblance was achieved.

The colours used for the design of the boutique is predominantly simple, the major colour being white and shades of cream with antique brass finishes for lights and furniture, the architect has also used green as an indirect colour in the form of plants at the entrance which can be seen from the inside through the unanimously beautiful steel jail work.

With the emergence of internet and online shopping trends, the retail faced a downside. The only way to put up with it was by understanding the need of customers and providing them with exactly that. Damon Richards said, “Your customer doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The regal lighting and simple colour scheme enhances the overall experience of coming to this place, the design is so subtle and exasperatingly simple yet it speaks volumes. 

At UB Designs our focus is on state-of-art retail designs, following the brand language and visual merchandising as its core