Location: Lucknow, India
Company (Client) Name: Harsahaimal Shiamlal Jewellers
Special Furniture Credits: I’m the Centre for Applied Arts
Photography Credits: Ankush Maria
Located in the heart of historic city of Lucknow, HSJ is an age-old jewelry brand that exudes grandeur. The Delhi based architectural practice, RMDK, in collaboration with I’m The Centre for Applied Arts, translated their opulent-yet-subtle designs into a dazzling retail experience that appeals to a wide range of audience.
Spread over an area of above 10,000 sq. ft. of customer area, the one of its kind retail space covers two levels. The ground level is demarcated for Gold and the upper level for Diamond and Silver products. The 2.5 m drop in the ground level has been utilized to create a part basement which appears as a stilted ground level at the entrance facilitating parking and entrance lobby.
Built as an introverted vault, the solid sandstone façade makes a bold statement with an elegant surface detailing in gold steel. The entrance is marked by a delicately detailed 30 feet high glass door, allowing a glimpse inside generating curiosity. It opens into a reception area with a customized elliptical red glass elevator wrapped by the spiral staircase as an iconic centerpiece. The path to the elevator has been pronounced by colorful floor inlays, inspired by traditional Meenakari craft, replicated on the roof reflecting the brand’s eclectic design style. The elevator opens into a lobby area on every floor with an illuminated ceiling installation, seen through the main entrance, creating a strong visual element of intrigue.
Every element in this retail space is detailed as a jewelry piece. Each display section has been designed according to the product range. These individualistic display systems ensure each jewel stands out while getting its own space to celebrate the craftsmanship of the deluxe products. The plush furniture and the chandeliers have been detailed to look like installations that reflect the essence of the exhibits. Even the lighting spectrum is customized to enhance the product range in respective zones. The furniture color palette eloquently binds these elements while niftily complementing and enhancing the displayed products. The strong tonal variations are softened with neutrals like charcoal and deep brown to create highly articulate spaces.
The Boutique Gold Section sees a predominant use of hues of reds. A 40’ by 40’ hand painted ceiling lends a theatrical touch to an otherwise mundane sales activity. Each ornate display frame is designed to look like an antique maestro painting, adding to the opulence of the jewelry. The Daily Wear Gold Section follows a simpler color scheme of white and gold with the reception feature wall inspired by pearls. The diamond section uses hues of Blue. The semi-precious stone counters along with the bull’s eye arch display and white origami floral displays convert each product into a statement installation. The silver section uses hues of Purple. The minimal interiors accommodate the mass and chunkiness of silverware while enriching the whole retail experience.
HSJ Lucknow is thus, a giddy mix of traditional and contemporary that exudes lavishness and warmth, perfectly embodying the concept of ‘where art meets luxury’.