Fusion Decor

By Marina Correa

Photography: Courtesy Studio Osmosis

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Working around the palates of the two cuisines it fuses – PunChin restaurant within the Citrus Hotel in Pimpri, Pune uses a kitsch-industrial approach that is very in-your-face…

Designed by Studio Osmosis, the approach to the restaurant is through a plush lobby finished in Italian marble; while the chequered clear and ‘tatooed’ glass panes create a peek-a-boo effect with the colourful interiors evoking one’s curiosity.

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PunChin, which offers Punjabi and Chinese cuisines has its subtle fusion nuances translated into the décor as well: in the ‘Chinese-ized’ placemats, rustic and multi-coloured dhaba-type ambience, steel and heavy glass crockery and cutlery and use of village-esque bucket and tumbler décor elements. The icing on the cake takes the form of a Royal Enfield bike that stands smartly at the entrance of the restaurant – an ode to Punjab da Puttar. Nostalgia also reigns high as the epoxy IPS flooring has ‘hopscotch’ painted on it – a true picturizing of a prime dine out with a quirky feel!

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An open brick wall, yellow diagonally painted lines on the floor, nude bulbs hanging over the bar and a cluster of empty beer bottles as a chandelier etc. add just the right dose of quirkiness to this multifaceted space. Lending a fun and casual feel are the brightly painted corrugated metal sheets that wrap the bar counter, open kitchen and teppanyaki counter.

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A suspension of metal chain-link fence and rustic corrugated sheets adorn the ceiling imparting a strong masculine vibe to the space. Interestingly, this treatment is born out of a challenge in concealing the service cables of the above floors under the restaurant ceiling.

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The maxim ‘reuse, recycle’ has been achieved with aplomb through reuse of empty bottles, old wood, chain-link fence, corrugated sheets, old window frames, ladders etc - making it a green project as well.

Overall, the architects must be credited for their brave job in skilfully using rudimentary elements to define a dhaba-styled setting within the larger plush hotel environs.