By Marina Correa
Photography: Ravi Kanade and Subhrajit G Mitra;
courtesy the architect
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The design for the refurbishment
of renowned Bengali restaurant 6 Ballygunge Place, Kolkata, contemporizes the
region’s traditionally-rich art and cultural heritage in a pastiche of pop
colours and kitsch style…
Expressing itself in
varying scales - such as oversized sketches on the exteriors (referenced from Sahaj Path); miniature-sized Sara paintings on wall plaques,
pint-sized lamps dotting the stairwell balustrade, scaled Potochitro human figurines etc. – varied nuances urge a diner to
explore further.
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Constituting an integral
part of good design, visual continuity is orchestrated via Lalu Prasad
Shaw-inspired traditional Bengali paintings seen on chair backs and cushions
whilst Sara paintings (traditional
Bengali iconography) lead the eye upwards.
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Similarly, by ensuring a
neutral colour palette of white walls and hand-painted greyish furniture, the multitude of artworks are brought into the foreground. Adding to the narrative
are light fixtures encased within bird cages - reminiscent of erstwhile Bengali
fascination for pet birds.
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Hand-painted wall murals
heighten the overall aesthetic as some of them appear real (a man sitting on a
chair smoking a hookah)!
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Diligence to details comes forth
via subtle and bold patterns such as etched textures below arches; delicate
wallpaper; printed crockery, classic-themed B&W chequered flooring and the
like.
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Since the 6,000 sq.ft. restaurant
is ensconced within a residential building typology, the segregated configuration
of rooms accentuated by alcoves, arches and columns effect a 3-D look-feel on
the first floor, while an expansive banquet hall features on the second level.
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Moving on to the exteriors,
railings as a boundary interface and fenestrations effect partial transparency
while allowing chiaroscuro elements to animate surfaces. Completing the picture are
green touches which play peek-a-boo through wood-and-glass-paned windows whilst
louvered doors open into balconies – providing a breath of fresh air akin to this
project-specific collaboration between Abin Design Studio and Square
Consultancy that ensures a good dose of intrigue and refinement for a repeat
visit.
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