Qurbat – Fashion Studio | Casa Flore | Hanumangarh, Rajasthan
As a designer , I feel that there is more to what the client says and what they wants. Just like others, I was given a set of list that had to be inculcated within the new space. From maximum storage to a beautiful design, from minimum furniture to a practical seating arrangement, without changing the flooring to crafting absolutely new displays. So, requirements like these was all a part of the list. Apart from the things that were said, I also had a different understanding of the things that were not. Like for example, I was asked to design a decent sized fashion boutique, but I wanted to do a little more and sell them a good first hand experience, as owners too. Such small things motivate me to work better.
I think of myself as a designer who believes in minimalism. When I was told the very few things that were needed by the client, I stood grounded and created solutions to solve the smallest of their worries first. Being a creative person, I did provide them with maximum storage, but segregated these on the basis of my understanding of their needs. I created variations of storage spaces for clothes that need to be hanged, for fabrics that need to be displayed in rolls, for special collections that were exclusive and so on. I translated their version of simplicity into a language of design by using materials that do not contradict, by using one elegant color for the entire set up, by taking care of nitty gritty details like branding on basic products like mannequins and hangers and etc.
Qurbat is a fashion studio Designed by Delhi based Design studio ‘Casa Flore’ lead by Architect Ankit Kathpal. “Qurbat” (The Studio) is an Urdu translation for the English word vicinity (Closeness), A modern traditional fashion studio in the state of Art (Rajasthan) depicts the close relation of heritage and culture – “A New Perspective in an old city”.
The mangrove green color enhances the store’s essence with fine detailing and minimal furniture. The tone of grey and green compliments the subtle nature of the Design. Handcrafted Arches and Classic white Indian knobs adds to the traditional roots of the store . The closeness between Materials and Textures provides a Delightful sight. The contrast of traditional ideas and modern values brings a touch of uniqueness of the store. The Ambience of the Studio is warm with a comfort to the space.
Once you climb down the stairs to reach this new studio, the first thing that you see is in an indoor display of a dressed mannequin, with branding of the store on back wall that helps to create a warm and welcoming relation with the customers. Since the space is designed in a rectilinear way, the display and storage is aligned to the walls, leaving a massive space in the centre. This way, entire attention is drawn towards the clothes. Extra storage spaces have been given in the back space of the studio, next to the trial rooms. In order to make it bright yet keep it simple, we decided to paint the entire studio with color – Mangrove Green, dressed the wardrobes with doorknobs made in ceramic and hangers made of wood.
Talking overall, the space planning in this studio has been divided on the basis of how frequently they will be used. The areas which will be used by the staff have been homed towards the rear ends, and the areas where the customers pick their choice have been kept in the centre. There was no basic requirements of the washroom and pantry since it existed already on upper floors.
My favourite element of design is the color. I have always been fascinated by things painted with minimalism and coordination. Therefore in this project, I have tried to build a relation between use of minimum tones and fixed elements. It was on purpose that I decided to use such an English color keeping in mind the location of the store and the fact that everyone will experience something new and fresh , and after seeing the people’s reaction and the level of appreciation I received, I feel more confident.
and complementation of minimalistic design with the kind of products sold inside is our best USP. At the end of the day, a design is unsuccessful if it is not serviced in the right way. What we offered is being used in probably the same way we thought it would be, and thus our design resonates with people. The concept is of having a simple, to the point, elegant space that sells something traditional, multi coloured products, maintains a subtle balance between two extremes.
Qurbat is very special to me. Not because it is a project from the family, but because it is the first project I did representing ‘Casa Flore’. My ideas are fresh, highly influenced by Italian perfection. I feel that the most important thing I had to deliver was the understanding of my client’s need and wants through our proposal, and all the appreciation ensures us that we did great!
FACT FILE
Project Name : Qurbat – Fashion Studio
Design Firm : Casa Flore
Principal Architect / Designer : Ankit Kathpal
Total Area : 1060 Sq. Ft
Project Type : Commercial Retail
Project Location : Hanumangarh, Rajasthan ,India
Photography Credits : Shades Studio Photography
