The lines between modern and contemporary designs have blurred. Their defining features are kept intact, but there is a lot more overlap between the two concepts. Abhigyan Neogi writes about the changing landscape of modern architecture and the need to be dynamic in a creative field such as 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 cognizant of the fact that architecture and interior design are constantly evolving with the evolving trends. The 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 that 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 about 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. The 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 the design elements were prefabricated from India and the setup was done at the site. The illuminated resto-bar is definitely something along the lines of new-age architecture which ensures that Glo has its unique markers and 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 the client at the tip of their fingers due to technology today. Some ten odd years ago, the client would come in with a loose idea in mind and the architect would refine it, but now, in 2021, the client 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 that they do not need an architect but in order to get their 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 the clients the perfect homes. Reframing the demands and tweaking it a bit, the team came to a 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 a 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 indisputable from the original, the designer would also encourage the client to opt for the economical option. Lastly and most importantly, uniqueness is another key factor to look into - there needs to be the 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 the 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 a first impression on them. If the interiors are not mind-blowing, patrons will not remember the restaurant since 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 the 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 your client, new age architecture is here to stay until there is another breakthrough in trends when talking about architecture. Author: Ar Abhigyan Neogi is Principal Architect and Founder of Chromed Design Studio.