The interior design of cafe is a thoughtful exploration of space, built on a square site that is divided into three distinct segments, each forming a unique edge of the square. The fourth edge serves as a viewing area, ensuring that all elements are interconnected and centered around a focal point that not only acts as a showstopper but also offers a 360-degree view of the diverse backdrops. This arrangement of multiple narrative spaces under one roof amplifies the sense of immersion, mirroring Anderson’s storytelling method, where every set tells a story and invites exploration.
Editor’s Note: “Cafe Delhi Heights is an ode to cinematic wonders, where every corner depicts visual stories, designed to be experienced. The interplay of colors, textures, and symmetry echoes a director’s vision, offering a setting of nostalgia and modernity. It’s a delightful fusion of architecture and cinema, from Wes Anderson’s charm to old Delhi’s vibrant bazaars.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
The Interior Design Of A Cafe Offers A 360-Degree Storytelling Experience | 𝐌:𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨
Finally, at the heart of the café lies the pink bar, designed as a striking 360-degree centerpiece reminiscent of the aesthetic of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Moreover, it acts as a metaphorical chandelier that ties the various spaces together while creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The Indian Dispatch wall brings together the charm of Delhi’s street culture and the quirky, symmetrical aesthetics characteristic of Wes Anderson’s films. Taking cues from The French Dispatch, this wall mirrors the whimsical and meticulously curated portrayal of mid-century Paris. However, it does so with a distinctly Indian twist. It weaves together the lively spirit of Old Delhi’s bazaars and the intricate facades that line its streets.
Arched doorways and eclectic signages give guests a sense of stepping into a vintage Delhi street. The thoughtfully mismatched colours and textures mimic the layers of a bustling market. The arrangement and colour palette evoke the pastel, nostalgic tones of Anderson’s cinematography. Meanwhile, the styling remains deeply rooted in the sights of Old Delhi.
As guests approach, a movie-like scene pulls them in, with each arch and sign guiding them through a new layer of the space. The design doesn’t just reimagine Delhi through Anderson’s cinematic lens. Instead, it uses his visual storytelling language to pay homage to India’s streets, where every corner tells a story. The wall creates a vibrant narrative that merges Indian streetscape with cinematic flair, resulting in a space where cultural nostalgia meets visual whimsy.
Café Delhi Heights is known for its cozy booth seating, a signature element that they have reinterpreted uniquely in all of their outlets. For this one, we crafted the booths to resemble first-class compartments of a railway wagon. As a result, the open front creates a scene reminiscent of a movie set, capturing the magic of travel in an intimate, cinematic setting.
The booth seating is meticulously designed to take guests on a nostalgic journey. Acting as frames that alternate and overlook one another, the booths create a dynamic, vertical scene visible right from the café entrance. As a result, patrons flow in and out like characters in a movie. Here, the energy and controlled commotion of a railway journey seamlessly blend with the atmosphere of a movie set.
Trains have long been an iconic element in Indian cinema. From romance scenes and dacoit chases to lively dance sequences, the humble, red-oxide-toned railway wagons have served as a backdrop for countless unforgettable moments on screen. Moreover, their timeless charm continues to add depth and character to cinematic storytelling. Long before cars and metros, local trains managed by Indian Railways facilitated the daily commute of thousands of industrial workers. As a result, they provided a vital connection between Delhi and Faridabad. Inspired by this legacy, the decision to incorporate a train wagon as a central design element felt both nostalgic and purposeful. Additionally, the evocative portrayal of train travel in The Darjeeling Limited further reinforced this choice.
While designing the low dining area or the ‘baithak,’ we reimagined an Indian kund. Similarly, we drew inspiration from the earthy, raw steps of Surajkund in Faridabad. Surajkund’s historic stepwells and vibrant gatherings inspire our design, providing a rich context. The wafting aromas of fresh food and the lemony winter sunshine of Delhi influenced our choice of yellow and blue for the walls. As a result, the space offers a nostalgic, animated interpretation of the sun and sky. This colour scheme, reminiscent of the pastel tones and dreamlike atmosphere found in Asteroid City, creates a playful yet structured feel. As a result, it keeps the overall vibe fresh and vibrant.
The symmetry here is no accident. In fact, every line and tile is part of a deliberate design meant to inspire both balance and whimsy, paying homage to Anderson’s own eye for detail. Much like the carefully curated environments of his films, our space invites exploration and interaction. The oversized pendant lights, crafted from traditional loudspeakers also pay homage to Anderson’s love for artisanal craftsmanship and details. By drawing on the historical significance of Surajkund, we created an atmosphere that reflects our rich heritage. Additionally, playful design choices add a charm reminiscent of Anderson’s storytelling in the interior design of the cafe.
The pink bar, inspired by the quirky aesthetic of 1980s cinema, serves as a vibrant centrepiece in the café, seamlessly blending function and artistry. Drawing references from Wes Anderson’s playful visual style, this bar doubles as a stunning chandelier. As a result, it becomes an eye-catching focal point that enhances the overall ambiance of the space. The 360° design surrounds patrons with picture-worthy backdrops no matter where they sit. Moreover, they can capture memorable moments from every angle.
The bar’s whimsical elements and bright hues are meant to be reminiscent of the enchanting environments seen in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Much like the iconic film, the pink bar plays with symmetry and colour, creating a visually stimulating experience. As a result, it transports visitors into a world of charm and elegance. Beyond its striking appearance, the bar serves as a social hub, encouraging interaction and connection among patrons.
By combining visual allure with inviting functionality, the pink bar embodies the café’s ethos of offering a multi-sensory experience. Furthermore, it celebrates both cinematic influences and local culture, making it a destination in its own right.
The results we brewed in collaboration with AI were astonishingly artistic interpretations of Delhi, that would undoubtedly transport the guests into the foreground of a motion picture. By tapping into AI’s enormous potential and the latest technologies, we were among the first to find the perfect balance in what we call today “designing with AI.” We firmly believe in and promote the collaboration between technology and human creativity. Similarly, for this project, the ideation was done in complete collaboration with AI, aligning with the design ethos. We even let AI be our creative partner to help cook up some cool artwork, now adorning the walls of the cafe.
For us, photorealistic renders are not just tools for presentations; they are the very soul of the project where we experiment with textures, light, forms and the entire narrative of the project. We ensured that every finish and texture on site resembled the visualisations precisely. A unique and rich material palette was defined to bring this out in the best way. It includes exposed brick cladding, flex stone, and enamel paint on veneer and metal, adding depth and character. All textures were sampled on site to ensure that the fluency of the relationship between them is maintained.
Fact File
Designed by: 𝐌:𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨
Project Type: Restaurant/Bar/Cafe
Project Name: Cafe Delhi Heights
Location: Faridabad
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 1 Year
Project Size: 3500 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 1.5 Crore
Principal Architect: Ar. Manish Gulati
Team Design Credit: Tanya Chugh & Priyanka
Photograph Courtesy: Avesh Gaur
Firm’s Website Link: 𝐌:𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨
The Firm’s Instagram Link: 𝐌:𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨
Firm’s Facebook Link: 𝐌:𝐎𝐅𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨
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