FLUID BAR EXCHANGE
Main Info
Name of the project – Fluid Bar Exchange.
Architectural Firm - Studio Ardete
Official web site – www.studioardete.com
Contact Email – office.studioardete@gmail.com
Completion year – 2016
Built Up Area (in sqm) – 155 SQM
Project Location – The Altius, Industrial Area Phase – 2 , Chandigarh
Photographer – Purnesh Dev Nikhanj.
Photographer website - http://www.purneshdev.com/awards-publications
Other Info
Lead Architect – Ar Bardrinath Kaleru
Design Team – Ar Prerna Kaleru, Ar Anusha Sharma , Ar Mehak Gupta.
Client – Mr Ginny Chawla
Consultant- Structure – Continental foundations, Electrical – The Luminars,
Lighting – Brainwave,DMX RGB Consultant -Lightworx,HVAC – HVAC Engineering.
Material used
Flooring – Granite ,Onyx ,
wall cladding – HPL (Stylam).
Lighting Fixtures – ABNER
Furniture/Decor – weave craft , FRP Modules.
Others – Retractable roof – Shade Studio, HVAC (Diakin),Glass (AIS Glass), Kitchen Equipment – Nanda Industries.
Project Description
Designed as an amalgamation of contemporary and organic features, Fluid Bar Lounge is located on the terrace of an existing boutique hotel on the main highway leading to the city of Chandigarh.
The entrance to the lounge and bar is characterized by an installation of a collection of custom made FRP panels. Two hexagonal modules are fused together (used singularly in the interiors) and are positioned at strategic points at the entrance, setting a theme for the interiors, while inviting the visitor inside.
Aiming to retain its previous identity as a rooftop bar and restaurant, Fluid is designed with a partially retractable roof. The ceiling acts as a distinguishing element, enlivening the small space. Its organic design adds depth to the bar, while giving the impression of a larger area.
Made using 157 hexagonal polyhedron FRP (Fiber- Reinforced Plastic) panels, the ceiling provides a unifying element, binding the whole space together cohesively. Two sides of the customized FRP panels are hand painted as turquoise mirrors, acting as reflecting surfaces for color changing LEDs. A new visual language is created by transforming hues of the LEDs controlled as per the time and space demands, creating an intimate yet exhilarating environment.
The modules are designed in such a way that they appear to fluidly morph into a different shape as the viewer move from one point to another, providing a dynamic special dimension to the interiors. A combination of the custom panels and the lights reflects the dynamism of the main highway with traffic, like blood, pulsating through the city.
The bar counter is designed in white onyx, emitting translucent light, changing colors to complement the general theme and tone of the ambiance. Zigzag shelves act as the bar back, providing a defined background to the bar. Personifying waves, the strong features of the bar back are softened by light washing between them.
To counter the ceiling and bar elements, the walls are deliberately kept subdued. Grey in color, they are subtly engraved in geometric patterns and overlaid with some geometrically shaped mirrors.
Overall, the design for Fluid Bar and Lounge is a study in contrasts, setting a precedent in contemporary bar design.