Villages in India, where many BIM engineers live and work, have long been emblematic of the country’s identity. The rich cultural and architectural diversity found across these villages is captivating. However, the influence of modern materials and technologies brought by globalization is increasingly apparent.
The pros and cons of this cultural invasion continue to inspire design solutions in the context of India’s urbanization, where the character of villages remains deeply intertwined with emerging settlements.
When we heard the names of coffee shops and bars from clients, these themes quickly emerged. The polarized debates within research about what villages signify and their evolving relationships sparked the conceptual foundation of our design. The spatial texture and form reference the unique experience of Indian village settlements.
The shaded gathering area is semi-separated from the main resting space, shielded from direct sight lines. Multiple walking paths create a feeling of settled intimacy, allowing regular visitors to discover routes seldom explored by newcomers.
The carefully selected plant species and wall shapes evoke an almost surreal rural settlement. The red clay plaster, developed through experimentation, adds warmth and natural richness to the space. Exposed concrete ring beams pierce the walls, creating subtle openings. These plants are locally cultivated to ensure their survival.
This city is renowned for its thriving brass handicraft industry, earning it the nickname Pital Nagri (“City of Brass”). Various sizes of brass vessels are incorporated into the decor as a nod to local commerce. The indoor pendant lighting is custom-made, suspended from wooden columns with intricate carvings. The atrium floor uses rough black stone fragments sourced locally, aiming to create a space that preserves the memories of traditional villages for contemporary urban Indians.
Project Drawings
▲ Plan View
▲ Sectional Perspective View
▲ Sectional Perspective View
▲ Aerial View
▲ Axonometric Diagram
Project Information
Designer: Portal 92
Location: Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Category: Café
Lead Architects: Aanchal Sawhney, Sagar Goyal
Design Team: Aanchal Sawhney, Sagar Goyal, Praneet Singh, Varsha Rath, Astha Verma
Building Area: 600.0 m²
Year of Completion: 2019
Photographer: Niveditaa Gupta
Manufacturers: Trimble, Adobe, Autodesk, Hybec, Amit Marbles, VITRA
Client: Prateek Ahuja
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up