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
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]