The Playground: Restaurants Within A Restaurant | Loop Design Studio
The intent behind creating the Playground was to break the conventionality of the brutalist architecture of Chandigarh. The inside/outside concept was quashed and the restaurant has been treated as a single envelope that flows from one end to another.
Visit: Loop Design Studio
The expansive single surface has been broken into multiple levels and sections with their own vibe and spatial characteristics. This helps realize the client’s vision of ‘restaurants within a restaurant’ where each section would be treated differently but would be a piece of the overall puzzle. The bar and ‘pizzeria’ section that contains a wood-fired pizza oven and a dedicated pizza counter space have a very earthy and comfortable vibe to it. The ‘Playground VIP’ section is a plush setup with a very chic outlook.
Set around a textured wall comprising of audio cassettes, it is a common hangout spot for some very important people of the world. The ‘stage’ section, which is the highest layer of the envelope is inspired by a treehouse and is an interesting take on it.
The restaurant is submerged in a thick cover of ‘greens’ that have been carefully ingrained as a part of the design. Be it the flooring with grass strips, the concrete blocks as planters, the trenches that cover the entire length of the space, or the tropical-themed wallpapers, space is carefully curated with a green and vibrant theme.
The inside area has a casual yet quirky vibe with music-themed wall finishes, a retro bar, and a deck that levitates towards the outside. The restaurant has two entrances that have been designed as the major focal points in terms of design. The front entrance is 50 feet long, 3 feet wide tunnel-like passage that is filled up with liquor bottles in front of mirrored shelves and roof. The tunnel kaleidoscope transcends into the infinite and creates an illuminating effect inside the space. The back entrance and the corresponding facade are a contrast to the entire restaurant theme and showcase a run-down street look with a 90’s era Indian music shop.
This contrasting curtain creates an element of surprise for the people and enhances their experience once they enter the space. Overall, the Playground has a young, fresh, and energetic vibe for the people of Chandigarh, something they have never experienced before.
FACT FILE:
Design Firm: Loop Design Studio
Client: Ayush Singla/ WOW Hospitality
Project Name: Playground Restaurant
Lead Architects: Ar. Suvrita Bhardaj, Ar. Nikhil Pratap Singh
Location: Chandigarh, India
Area: 3700 sq. metres
Year of construction: 2018
Photography: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopdesignstudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loopdesignstudioLDS
“Minimal, Elegant, and Personal” — this guiding motto shaped the vision and execution of a smart space. This turns it into a calm and inviting retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle. The family’s primary wish was to have a space that felt soft, cosy, and nurturing while being highly functional for their everyday needs. “The […]
In the bustling cityscape of Noida, nestled within the gated community of Jaypee Wishtown, ‘Thalayalam’ stands in quiet distinction—not by its scale or flamboyance, but by the stories etched into its walls, floors, and the spaces in-between them. Crafted by Ant Studio for a multigenerational family with Tamil and Malayali roots, the ancestral house forms […]
This Zen Home Reflects The Perfect Balance of Memory And Functionality. The residence was designed keeping in mind the unique personality of our client who believes in simple living and high thinking, and wanted an understated and uncluttered space. The overall design language was based in ‘mindful elegance’ with minimal yet functional elements that strive […]
A Monochrome Theme And Minimalist Interiors Blend Perfectly In This Functional Home. “Tranquil Oak” is more than a home—it’s a reflection of our belief that a residence should be a serene, personal sanctuary. Thoughtfully designed with natural oak and fluid, sculptural forms, the space balances modern sophistication with the grounding calm of nature. A Monochrome […]
The client’s desire for a cosy and warm living space led us to explore the boho house theme, which is known for its relaxed, lived-in vibe, rich textures, and an earthy colour palette. To achieve this, we introduced several design elements that promote a soothing, harmonious atmosphere while infusing the space with character and personality. […]
What was once a conventional four-BHK has been gracefully reimagined into a generous three-BHK residence — one that prioritises spatial poetry over excess, character over conformity. This is not merely a redesign; it is a narrative of transformation, where timeless neo-classical elements and neutral colors quietly converse with the ease and openness of contemporary sensibilities. […]
“Home is where the Heart is.” Designed with not just creative ideas, but also keeping in mind the personality and the well-being of the home-owners, this 4BHK apartment in Vadodara, Gujarat, shares the same sentiment. “We have inculcated quite a few creative elements in the design. But we have ensured that those elements don’t overwhelm […]
This 3BHK Residential Interior project, with a carpet area of 1400 sq. ft., features a meticulously reimagined layout. It enhances both aesthetics and practicality. A harmonious blend of functionality and design is seen in this residential interior project by PiNiK Design Studio. It exemplifies a seamless blend of modern elegance and practical design, creating a […]
The 36th Horizon offers a sweeping view of Mumbai’s ever-evolving skyline from its position as a mindful high-rise retreat perched on the 36th floor. Framing the chaos of the city in soft silence, this home covered in pastel colors strikes a delicate balance where urban energy stays outside, and a warm, grounded calmness thrives within. […]
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, […]