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
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