DISHA ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING STORE
(Before/After)
An outdated electrical store is transformed into an urbane, contemporary Lighting Display and Electrical showroom whilst retaining its context.
Disha agencies, sitting in the middle of a sprawling, dense marketplace in Industrial area, Chandigarh, required a new store front and interior to not only set them apart from the existing design language of the area but also as something that would allow them to tap into a different, more affluent client base, while retaining their existing customers.
The original setup of the store followed the style of the shops surrounding it. With emphasis on conventional storage, the shelves were lined up on either sides of the space with the cash counter situated in front. There was no segregation for individual light fixture display or for showcasing outdoor lighting.
The renovated interiors cater to the dual requirements of staging electrical equipments and of providing space for displaying decorative light fixtures.
The showroom space is divided into two zones with the front area consisting of electrical and basic lighting and the rear zone catering to the display of individual and outdoor lighting.
In a striking contrast to the existing shop front, the new store front features a double glass door flanked by display windows on either side. The glass exterior allows for generous glimpses of interiors that use grey as a base colour to support fluid, organic forms running throughout the front zone in a striking white colour to provide contrast and invite the customers in.
A circular discussion area sitting on green grass and semi covered with white hollow pipes extending from the floor to the ceiling is a completely new addition to the store. It acts as a buffer and sets the tone for customer experience as he/she moves further inside.
Where the storage in the older store was simply a grid of wooden planks, the storage and display units in the renovated design are circular and undefined pockets on the walls that are further an extension of the organic white ceiling.
A splash of green creates interest and brings the space to life, along with intelligent lighting.
The passage leading to the rear zone supports infinity mirror, drawing the visitors in. Its tone is kept muted in contrast with the interiors of the front zone.
The rear area of the showroom did not exist in the previous store; it was planned as another addition. It uses black carpet on the walls and the floors to give it a studio-like feel. A specially designed display unit sits in the center acting as an art installation with individual fixtures as art pieces.
An outdoor setup, complete with arched patio and a porch opposite is used for the display of outdoor light fixtures with a wood floored passage leading up to a black mirror.
The MD’s Cabin and Meeting room are added in the renovated plan keeping in mind the client’s vision for the store and future requirements. Both the spaces have plush interiors exuding sophistication and comfort.
There is a distinct difference between visualizations of both the older and newer versions of the showroom, with the latter successfully capturing both the context and the aesthetics.
PROJECT BIO-DATA
Project Name – DISHA ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING STORE
Client – Disha Lighting
Architect – Studio Ardete
Photo Credits – Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Site Area – 1970 sqft
Gross Floor Area – 1970 sqft
Location – Industrial Area , Phase 2 , Chandigarh , India.
Status – completed in october 2015
Collaborators – Studio Ardete Pvt Ltd.
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