Abhigyan Neogi, Chromed Design Studio: New-Age Building for New-Age Needs
Real Estate

Abhigyan Neogi, Chromed Design Studio: New-Age Building for New-Age Needs

ABHIGYAN NEOGI discusses shifting modern identities with evolving architecture.In today’s day and age, there is an evident increase in discourses regarding the intersection between the client and the designer. It is important to comprehend the essence of t...

ABHIGYAN NEOGI discusses shifting modern identities with evolving architecture.In today’s day and age, there is an evident increase in discourses regarding the intersection between the client and the designer. It is important to comprehend the essence of the brand and how it expresses itself in respective businesses or residences. At the same time, it is also important to be cognisant of the fact that architecture and interior design are constantly evolving with trends. Popular trends a year ago may not be in vogue anymore, though there are a few that have seen a resurgence in the past year. For instance, the minimalist chic style a lot of restaurants are adopting these days to attract more patrons has been a go-to option for more than a decade now. There are also a few trends that are evergreen and classically elegant. Reiterating and focusing on the fact that the client brief will be different every time, modern urban architectural identities are shifting to push boundaries and find new limits. Talking of architecture, the lines between modern and contemporary designs have become transient – their defining features are kept intact but there is a lot more overlap between the two concepts. These days, clients want everything to be modern. Market demand is shifting from modern to contemporary, but these two concepts are so closely linked that the line is too thin to toe. The emergence of such a type of architecture characterised by sleek lines, smooth surfaces and eclectic decor can be labelled as ‘new-age architecture’. Taking the example of Glo in Dubai, Chromed Design Studio had limited time to renovate, refurbish and revamp an old restaurant transitioning into a place where all types of meetings and gatherings can take place. From a casual night out with friends, a business casual dinner with colleagues or a date night, Glo is equipped to suit everything. So, to give Glo a new identity, a major chunk of design elements was prefabricated in India and setup done onsite. The illuminated resto-bar is definitely something along the lines of new-age architecture, which ensures Glo has unique markers and an identity that is both memorable for the patrons and profitable for the owners. At the same time, there is a stronger partnership and a renewed sense of trust between the designer and the consumer. This has been a road of compromise and tumult as everything is available to clients at the tip of their fingers owing to technology today. Some 10-odd years ago, the client would come in with a loose idea in mind and the architect would refine it. But now, in 2021, clients can easily browse Pinterest or take inspiration from any other residence or commercial project and come in with a clear idea of what they want. Many times, clients think they do not need an architect; but to get a bang for their buck and the perfect execution for their project, an architect’s presence proves to be crucial and essential. A residential project by Chromed in Punjabi Bagh is the perfect instance where the client came in with a brief of creating a house that is a mix of trendy yet classic style. Given the loose frame, the pressure is on the team to give clients the perfect home. Reframing the demands and tweaking them a bit, the team came to common ground where there was an amalgamation between traditional Indian dwellings and modern lifestyle concepts. Using vintage decor like a Chesterfield sofa with contemporary pieces like Sabyasachi-inspired wallpaper, this house was the bespoke convergence of pastoral country-glam living space with elements of current trends peppered in. Next are frugality and the importance of being unique. It is a universal truth that clients usually tend to cut corners in the case of commercial matters. They look forward to getting the best possible results in a limited amount. In fact, if there is another cheaper alternative to Italian marble that looks and feels virtually indistinct from the original, the designer would also encourage the client to opt for the economical option. Last and most important, uniqueness is another key factor to look into: there needs to be a distinction between the identity and uniqueness of a project. Just like the terms ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary’, it is true that uniqueness and identity are co-dependent and can be used interchangeably. However, uniqueness refers to making a lasting and positive impression on patrons. In recent years, a lot of new restaurants have popped up at every nook and cranny of the world. Patrons like to go out and dine but even before they can experience the service, the decor and the interiors of a restaurant will make the first impression on them. If the interiors are not mind-blowing, patrons will not remember the restaurant as they will forget about the place. In another project designed by Chromed Design Studio, Musaafer in Texas, USA, the team tried to evoke a sense of nostalgia wherein the values of East meet West. From combining the royal palatial elements of the grandeur the maharajas and sultans of ancient India had to more local tastes like the jaali work of Rajasthan and the Gujarati dhokra wall, Musaafer is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on the patron, giving the restaurant its uniqueness. In the current scenario, there needs to be a cardinal rule of being dynamic when it comes to being in a creative field like architecture. From dealing and juggling various client demands, identities, uniqueness and fostering a healthy partnership with the client, new-age architecture is here to stay until there is another breakthrough in trends when talking about architecture. About the author: Abhigyan Neogi is Principal Architect & Founder, Chromed Design Studio. Through his expertise, he has contributed to the firm’s robust image in the design industry and has created avant-garde design strategies that redefine the façade of modern community life. 

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