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
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