Bandhani

Kurukshetra, India

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Bandhani

Kurukshetra, India

Firm

Neomotif Design studio

Type

Commercial › Retail

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2015

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$50K - 100K

Photos

Purnesh Dev Nikhanj (9)

Bandhani derives its name from the traditional Indian printing technique of tie and dye- a process which results in a web of recurring patterns including dots, squares, waves and strips. The design concept of the store embodies this repetitive nature of patterns, polished with features of design intricacy and mirror work found in ethnic Indian wear. The design is an attempt to transcend materiality in the pursuit of a fluid, cohesive space where the interiors and exteriors fuse into one and elevate the transactional nature of retail to an experiential one.

Indian stores selling ethnic wear, especially in smaller cities are facing fresh challenges by way of competition from e-commerce platforms and established multi-national brands. The design of Bandhani endeavours to create a contemporary character reminiscent of a traditional setting which prides and engages with conventional methods of retail within a honed ‘modern’ vocabulary.
The anthropometry of the time honoured gaddi display technique has been re-contextualized to today’s paradigms of comfort and ease with the introduction of a custom designed tapered edge- instead of the conventional flat gaddi. The inclined edge enables prospective clients to get a touch and feel of the garments with ease. Hanging displays and table displays, cognizant of modern retail, provide for a diverse retail engagement.

The use of materials also manifests in a balance of the traditional and modern. Granite is used both in a traditional hand-levelled finish for the display areas and a modern polished finish for the circulation areas. Throughout the two-storey space on all the walls, floors and ceilings, a visual vocabulary of recurring motifs and patterns across different materials binds the spaces while allowing for the unique texture of the many materials to show through. The use of colours has been limited to a deep black, grey and a natural wooden finish to focus attention on the vibrantly coloured garments on display. Mirror work has been used with gumption to create interesting illusions and present an opulent and luxurious setting- reminiscent of both the garments on display and the vibrant experience of Indian festivities.