Darukhaana
How do you give a space a new identity while retaining its existing structural framework?
BOMBAY IN THE 1920'S
Taking over the site of a restaurant called The Wine Beast, in Wan Chai district, Daarukhana is a contemporary Indian restaurant that brings modern Indian cuisine to Hong Kong.
In Hindi, Daaru literally means alcohol and Khana is food. Here at Daarukhana, drinks and food come together to form a wonderful synergy. Daarukhana is an area in Mumbai (Bombay), was named for the gunpowder industry in the area centuries ago. Back in the 19th century, the area was purely industrial, while its surrounding areas of Mazgaon and Byculla were home to the elite.
The idea was to transport diners to a place that was reminiscent of Bombay in the 1920’s, but with a modern twist, manifested in everything from the space to the food.
THE EXISTING SPACE - Le Bistro Winebeast
The space of the restaurant ‘Le Bistro Winebeast’ was to be taken over and refurbished, but with minimal intervention. One of the primary materials used in the space was dark polished wood which included the furniture, shelving units and partitions. The space had a very warm and cosy vibe to it.
Front facade of the space and the entrance were unchangeable. The space had less loose furniture and more permanent structures throughout.
The key challenge was to retain the existing structural framework while giving the space a new identity.
THE MOOD TO SET
A pop tribute to the old buzzing nights in the neighbourhood taking you back to the luxury, exuberance and the glamour of the by-gone era. Visual Language draws inspiration from the art deco style. The usage of warm lights, dark polished wood, polished brass, reflective surfaces and LED lights adds character.
The identity was based on an art deco interpretation – featuring a bottle in the frame – a nod to the origin of its name.
THE NEW LAYOUT
A stairwell installation lead to the first floor with a high community table and open shelving.
Some of the partitions in the middle of the space were replaced to create a more open layout. Little nooks were created, yet the space was made to feel lighter.
Different levels and types of seating created a playful vibe, and allowed diners to visit in large groups as well as smaller intimate ones.
ROLE + COMPETENCIES
RESEARCH • NARRATIVE • SPATIAL DESIGN • EXPERIENCE DESIGN
The work created for this project was by a team of multi-disciplinary design specialists at Idea Spice with each person of the team contributing their expertise and skill set to develop the complete project.
