FONCE CHOCOLATIER / 4 WALLS DESIGN STUDIO
CAFES . HYDERABAD, INDIA
Firm : 4 Wall Design Studio (http://4wallsdesignstudio.com)
Principle Architect : Ar. Abhinav Batchu
Landscape Architect : Ar. Rohit Mirdoddi
Year : 2020
A glass wall depicting vintage glass façades leads into the courtyard which is the heart and soul of the space. Using the ideology of fluidity (the melting of a chocolate bar) the forms and shapes for this space are derived. Three semi-private gazebos tailored for the space using ropes suspended and bound from a level up depict an abstract form of a chocolate wrapper. These ropes surround a horse-shoe shaped custom built-in seating where one could sit-back, relax and enjoy the ambience and bite of their favorite classics.
The landscape around the roped gazebos stand to grow organically into the space. Creepers planted at the edge of the ropes further create a green canopy for the space. The use of ropes creates interesting results in daylight offering a play on shadows and the evening ambient light creates a warm and plush experience.
The entrance to Foncé, the chocolate atelier, has a long narrow corridor gave us an opportunity to create a sense of anticipation and expectation. The corridor features a dense landscape leading to a Kinetic element focusing on the sense of touch and movement.
A large swiveling logo of Foncé greets customers into the space. The logo cut out of an 8mm MS Sheet and finished in Rose Gold is lit around its circumference with linear LED lights. The logo is set into a rugged wall and is finished in an Adriatic Sea color.
While conceptualizing the interiors of Foncé, the focus was to create an experience for the users through which they can witness the creations inside the kitchen. Three display counters greet the customers showcasing several culinary classics. Rustic ceramic tiles creating the visual appeal of splashed chocolate paired with opulence surface wall paint offers a chic and elegant view to the space. Rose gold painted steel shelves on either side complete the display for the atelier. An archway retrofitted with glass entices customers to peep into the kitchen further creating an aura and anticipation of what the space delivers.
The courtyard at Foncé is custom designed for the space. The graffiti depicts the rich tradition and cultural history behind a bar of chocolate. The backdrop of the courtyard features a large graffiti depicting the farming of Cocoa beans during the Mayan Civilization. Guarded by tropical plants and a running strip light which under lights the graffiti, the element offers volume, grandeur and history to the space. The courtyard boasts of a leather finish and bush hammered Kota flooring with contrasting arctic blue grouting renders a royal feel to the space. The light blue shade is a throwback to how colors were naturally made from vegetables and fruits. On the left of the courtyard is a meshed wall painted in black which will eventually be a green wall with creepers and tropical plants growing out of the element.
