Journey through The Busride

By Ishita Shah

Photography: courtesy The Busride

Independent, multidisciplinary design studio in Mumbai, India, The Busride is as diverse in its approach and orientation as its quirky nomenclature...

Beginning with research, they deal with different ways of studying and analyzing; be it user mind-maps, form derivation, material behaviour, illustrative storytelling or others. With visual and experiential conceptualization as the high point of their journey, team The Busride has a no-holds-barred approach when it comes to prototyping ideas. And as the journey must go on, the studio’s commitment with the wonders they create remains everlasting; through varied means.

Age of Buildings - Ranwar 

Unchanged Built Scape - Ranwar 

Embarked upon in 2006, partners Ayaz and Zameer Basrai work across the spectrum of built environments in hospitality, entertainment, retail, corporate offices, media-hubs, production design, art-installations, conservation and social activism.  “Through our work, we hope to communicate that when a bunch of energetic individuals, who are supremely passionate about their own discipline, come together, a lot of drama is created...” says Zameer proudly.

Ayaz Basrai

But what is more significant about them as diversely creative minds at work is their design process. It is an important learning tool that interestingly adapts with every new project.

SHRoom Lounge

Browsing through their portfolio, Smokehouse Deli is an apt example. The first Smokehouse Deli, located in a Delhi mall, was a subtle comment on the existing built form’s luxurious, ornate and massive character. Consequently, the restaurant sports a monochromatic space; finished in pure white tone and elevated with loud and fine, surface graphic novels.

Smoke House Deli 

Smoke House Deli 

While the Deli project defines a new kind of spatial occurrence, approaching design with equal restraint, is the design of Cafe Zoe, located in the Mathuradas Mill compound of Mumbai. The old structure housing a contemporary eatery follows a conscious decision – to quietly upgrade the heritage building without distinguishing the old from the new.  Such subtle nuances in tandem with the identity of the projects at hand continue to be visible in a variety of ways. For eg., the design of a service apartment. Categorised as a hyperspace (multi-utility), this 150 sq. ft. one-room apartment is a compilation of its user’s wish-list: walk-in wardrobe, collapsible study, sleeping space and place for varied activities. Innovation is the key.

Cafe Zoe 

Ranwar Apartment

Furthermore, extensive documentation and research are not far behind in the company agenda. Reviving and re-planning the beautiful villages located in Bandra constitutes the impressive Ranwar project.  Unlike conventional conservation projects, this proposal looks at re-designing under the larger idea of ‘Walk Bandra’; creating the best urban environments, knitting the villages together and actively engaging residing communities.

Ranwar Apartment

Celebrate Bandra Souvenir 

With work that thrives on their macro-to-micro approach towards design, allowing for great flexibility in looking for left-of-the-centre solutions to most issues faced by high-visibility venues, The Busride believes that each solution is as unique as the problem. Quite simply, therefore, insightfully designed settings have the potential to solve varied issues at all levels.

Oratory

Ranwar Square