Location: Chandigarh, India
Architects: Loop Design Studio
Lead Architects: Suvrita Bhardwaj, Nikhil Pratap Singh
Area: 370 sq. metres
Year of construction: 2018
Photography: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj (https://www.purneshdev.com/)
Client: Ayush Singla/ WOW Hospitality
The intent behind creating Playground was to break the conventionality of brutalist architecture of Chandigarh. The inside/outside concept was quashed and the restaurant has been treated as a single envelope that flows from one end to another. The expansive single surface has been broken into multiple levels and sections with their own vibe and spatial characteristics. This helps realize the client's vision of 'restaurants within a restaurant' where each section would be treated differently but would be a piece of the overall puzzle. The bar and 'pizzeria' section that contains a wood-fired pizza oven and a dedicated pizza counter space has a very earthy and comfortable vibe to it. The 'Playground VIP' section is a plush setup with a very chic outlook. Set around a textured wall comprising of audio cassettes, it is a common hangout spot for some very important people of the world. The 'stage' section, which is the highest layer of the envelope is inspired by a tree house and is an interesting take on it. The restaurant is submerged in a thick cover of 'greens' that have been carefully ingrained as a part of the design. Be it the flooring with grass strips, the concrete blocks as planters, the trenches that cover the entire length of the space or the tropical-themed wallpapers, the space is carefully curated with a green and vibrant theme. The inside area has a casual yet quirky vibe with music themed wall finishes, a retro bar and a deck that levitates towards the outside. The restaurant has two entrances that have been designed as the major focal points in terms of design. The front entrance is 50 feet long, 3 feet wide tunnel like passage that is filled up with liquor bottles in front of mirrored shelves and roof. The tunnel kaleidoscope transcends into the infinite and creates an illuminating effect inside the space. The back entrance and the corresponding facade are a contrast to the entire restaurant theme and showcases a run-down street look with a 90's era Indian music shop. This contrasting curtain creates an element of surprise for the people and enhances their experience once they enter the space. Overall, Playground has a young, fresh and energetic vibe for the people of Chandigarh, something they have never experienced before.
