A new outlet for a health forward cafe in New Delhi has been designed by Tangible Intangible Design Office, or TI:DO, as they are also known. Commissioned by the women-led brand UNCAFE, architectural design firm TI:DO was assigned the task of developing a design language for their new outlet that, within its 800 square feet, could encapsulate the brand’s identity and personify the uniqueness of their food offerings with a unique spatial design.
A New Outlet For A Health Forward Cafe in New Delhi | TI:DO
The designers aimed to create an earthy yet contemporary aesthetic for the cafe in New Delhi. Thus, setting it apart from the mall atmosphere despite being inside a mall.
With an emphasis on organic forms that begin at the entrance and carry through the space, all curvilinear and copper-coloured elements combine to accentuate the branding and logo design of the cafe.
The space offers a soothing and minimal yet compelling ambience through the use of natural textures and materials. It invokes a sense of hearty simplicity, much like the food the cafe offers.
The fluted, arched entrance becomes a gateway into a peaceful sanctum. A place where patrons would be able to step away from the chaos for a refreshing experience with a nourishing meal.
One can enter the cafe and take in the large sculptural form that nestles the administrative and utility functions of the programme on one side and the entire dining area on the other side.
The space opens to an array of copper arches. Booth seating stages directly in front of the full-height glazed edge of the building, offering views into the bustling mall courtyard and bringing in ample daylight.
A large stretch ceiling light above the food display marks the center of the cafe. Thus bringing focus to the salad bar, which serves as the nucleus of the cafe.
A bespoke fluted cladding in a metallic copper tone encloses the salad counter. A white band of terrazzo countertops caps it. The brand tailors the dining tables in ‘U’ and ‘N’ forms with terrazzo tops and minimal metallic copper bases.
The terrazzo itself features a custom off-white base with brown chips, complementing the space while providing a pleasing backdrop to the vibrant food served at the cafe. The seating for the cafe is of two types: banquettes and chairs, which provide fixed and reconfigurable elements to the cafe.
The fluted backed banquette and bucket dining chair are upholstered in warm grey fabric and orange-brown leatherette. They continue the spatial design language in the furniture forms and their details.
To keep the space feeling calming and timeless, we chose a neutral colour palette consisting mainly of fawn tones, along with warm greys and off-whites. The darker shade is sandwiched between the light-coloured floor and ceiling.
During the evenings, concealed ceiling lights that run along the coves mimic and complement the natural light while accentuating the softness and gradual curves of the sculptural ceiling forms.
Globe lights suspended from copper tubes add diffused mood lighting over the tables, which also makes for an alluring view from the plaza outside. The unique ceiling and series of arches are designed such that, when seen from the outdoor plaza, they generate intrigue, attracting people to experience the café.
Fact File
Designed by: TI:DO
Project Type: Restaurant/ Bar/ Cafe
Project Name: Uncafe
Location: New Delhi, India
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 800 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Himanshu Chopra & Sadhika Baveja
Photograph Courtesy: Jeetin Sharma
Lighting: BDCL
Contractors: Zaara Enterprises
Furniture: Zaara Enterprises / Shearling
Soft Furnishings: Seasons Furnishings
Artwork: Manoj Kumar Artist
The Firm’s Website Link: TI:DO
Firm’s Instagram Link: TI:DO
Firm’s Facebook Link: TI:DO
For Similar Projects >> This Restaurant Design Encompasses A Picturesque View With Exuberance
Some client relationships evolve into lasting partnerships, and this residence reflects that journey. Nearly a decade after designing their first home in 2017, the family entrusted us once again to create a new chapter for their evolving lives. The new home reflects how their lives have gracefully evolved over the years. Located in the heart […]
There is a moment, standing beneath the triple-height volume of this Bengaluru home, when the retractable sunroof slides open and the sky simply becomes part of the room — and everything this space set out to achieve suddenly makes complete, irreducible sense. Crafted by Deena Rodrigues & Nicole David for a multigenerational family, and executed […]
Editor’s Note: Some homes reveal their character slowly, through details that invite you to look a little closer. This Mumbai apartment brings together marble, veneer, textured plaster, mother of pearl, stone, and fabric to create a home that feels luxurious yet deeply personal. An artificial skylight transforms the entrance, while layered living spaces balance graphic […]
Some homes are designed to impress. Others are designed to be lived in. Legacy Home belongs firmly to the latter. It celebrates everyday rituals, evolving lifestyles, and the quiet beauty of spaces that feel deeply personal. Spread across 2,000 sq. ft. in Andheri West, Mumbai, this eight-month renovation transformed a jodi apartment from the ground […]
Every home has a story, and Project Prarabdh is one that unfolds gently through curves, textures, soft tones, and thoughtful details. Designed for a family that values calmness, warmth, and functional simplicity, the project brings together minimal aesthetics and expressive craftsmanship. From the entrance to the kids’ room, each space follows a quiet rhythm. Curves […]
In the pulsating heart of Gujarat, India, where the shimmer of the ‘Diamond City’ meets the rich tapestry of the ‘Silk City’, Surat has preserved its legacy of craftsmanship across generations. Amidst the precision of diamond cutters and the rhythmic hum of textile looms, the homeowners’ story began. They were not merely entrepreneurs but inheritors […]
This home is a thoughtful expression of the modern interior design style, infused with creative and personalised touches that make it both distinctive and inviting. Every material, colour, and finish has been carefully curated to achieve a sense of timelessness, with a clear emphasis on balance and harmony. The muted colour palette seamlessly extended across […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]