Compiled by
Pari Syal
Photography:
Courtesy the designers
 |
| . |
A hi-profile chic salon needs to
beat the popularity quotient, both – functionally as well as aesthetically; as brand
value soars high on the design of commercial spaces. We unveil the engaging
interiors of the flagship Ambika Pillai salon at Delhi’s South Extension...
Celebrity make-up artiste and
hair-stylist Ambika Pillai’s flagship salon is a 7000 sq. ft. combination of ‘artisanal
luxury and industrial chic’, much in line with the dynamics of her brand.
 |
| . |
Individually varied and
collectively orchestrated, through both - material and planar elements, the
spatial sequence is choreographed to create a user experience that rests at the
confluence of art, architecture and an industrial aesthetic. Crafted out
of wood and steel, wool and mirror, the salon is a combination of mezzanine and
double-height spaces purpose-built for specific salon treatments.
 |
| . |
Alluding to an aesthetic that is
more characteristic of industrial spaces and processes, we have here
independent self-sustaining functional bands - for hair cutting, hair washing,
skin and beauty treatments, along with areas for styling and make up - visually threaded through with intriguing
industrial elements in a ‘happening’ ceiling replete with red air-conditioning
ducts set against a receding exposed concrete roof, interspersed with the
buildings sprinkler systems, and long linear white fluorescent lights that run
consistently through the salon.
 |
| Details |
As with most industrial spaces,
the detailing here too is minimal but purposeful. The deliberate act of
articulating key constructional moments in the design infuses the space with a
deep sense of artisanal luxury. Added to this is the
illustrative exuberance of graphic work on glass partitions and an arresting thread
installation by scenographer Sumant Jayakrishnan that flanks the perimeter
of the salon.
 |
| . |
With RLDA
studio as an architecture and design firm that prides itself on “the umbilical relationship between place and project
to influence a culturally situated work”, the client here stands steadfast in
her constructive nod to the perception of popular culture by way of
environmental consciousness and use of iconographic elements.
 |
| . |
No comments :
Post a Comment