In an era fueled by the imperative quest for identity, the cultural phenomenon of fashion can be interpreted as a tool for proclamation of individuality, empowering individuals to diversely sculpt their identities. Quintessentially Indian in its roots, KoAi, is Anugrah Chandra’s label of elevated essentials paying homage to Rajasthan’s traditional retail design hand block printing technique: Dabu.
Experiential Retail Design Embellished with Simplicity | Portal 92
Visit: Portal 92
Extravagant aesthetics serving short term experiences is now a passe. Emerging importance of experience design is a vital design element that transcends technical standards. While Portal 92 delves deeper into the brand philosophy, the structural formation of the store stands under the neem, with a firm contextual reference. As if sculpted from the very nature around, the stillness of the muted palette, the louvers striking a play of shadows throughout the store and the organically organized displays guiding a rather raw experience for the visitors. This makes space for modern portrayal of the Space, the Experience and Psychological shift in perceptions and respect for age old Indian Crafts. Beyond the trend, empathizing with users and their ever changing spatial perceptions fusing with a brand philosophy is now the kind of luxury we seek.~Yamini Vaswani (Editor)
Resonating with the brands ideology, we aimed at creating a muted backdrop, punctuated and adorned by a repeating modular detail, stamped across the project, much like the Dabu (hand block) prints.
These modules take the form of various functional elements, while lending softness and warmth to the textural canvas. This signature elemental language, works as a stitch between the space and the brand itself.
The façade presents itself as a stark white volume sculpted by its voids, harmoniously nestled beneath the shade of a Neem tree. The ‘Ribbon Window’ which extends and wraps around the corner, liberates one from the preconceived sense of a structure, in hopes of not being perceived as ‘Fascist’ and potentially getting ‘Cancelled’.
Walking through the chiseled stone entryway, the user is introduced to an island unit bathed in sunlight.
The louver detail was intricately crafted to conceal as well as soften the structural components. The natural light filtering through an array of wooden posts caresses the interior retail design space, meticulously choreographed to offer a soothing yet tactile experience.
Fact File
Designed by: Portal 92
Project Type : Retail Design
Project Name: KoAi
Location: New Delhi
Year Built : 2022
Project Size: 200 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Aanchal Sawhney, Sagar Goyal
Team Design Credits: Astha Verma, Sankeerthana Thangaraj
Photograph Courtesy : Niveditaa Gupta
Firm’s Website Link : Portal 92
Firm’s Instagram Link : Portal 92
For Similar Project>>Moody, Luxury And Elegance Is What Adorns This Jewelry Retail Design Palette
Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]
“Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]
In the layered urban grain of Manjeri, the Timeless House reimagines a 1970s sloping roof residence through careful transformation. It’s a home that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly repositions itself within its time and place, a sensitive reinterpretation of memory, material, and movement. Originally built in 1972, the house was structurally sound, featuring load-bearing […]
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]