The
Indravan,
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Art, New Delhi
This Hotel is located at the centre of Lutyen's Delhi, a radial away from
India Gate, in the very heart of the Indra Gandhi National Center for
Arts (IGNCA).
As one of the government's most extensive architectural projects in the
nation's history, the IGNCA was seen as a powerful opportunity to assert
a post-colonial Indian identity in Lutyens' raj hangover Delhi.
Thus we have tried to
retrace the Story of India through its several major phases and re-contextualized into
different aspects and areas of this concept boutique hotel.
HARAPPAN ROOM
The executive
room is inspired by the Harappa Civilization. Grain motifs on
carpets signify a flourishing agrarian community, the shapes of toys echo in
the lamps, bullock carts in the table and bronze coin jewelry in the lamp
stands, as prayer bowls are interpreted in avatars as diverse as lights, the
legs of the bed are inspired by harappan worship vessels , and the animal
seals signifiying the concept of a currency, are embossed into bedside table
tops.
MUGHAL ROOM
Intricate jharokhas and jail works perpetuate through mosquesand
forts, their passion for symmetry and geometric motifs percolates into The
Mughal rooms. In a period where Persian and Indian architecture meet,
formidable forts were attired in passionately rich inlay colours of golds,
reds, Persian blues, silver and greens.
On Lapis Lazuli walls tiny pieces of broken sheeshas (glass) embedded in
jaali geometrical patterns, hang like frosty icicles behind the bed in the
Mughal Rooms. Elements of the Red Fort silhouette is captured in the backs and
of chairs and beds - evocative of the formidable strength of Mughal forts.
Velvet dominates in
soft furnishings, printed with glimpses of scenes from daily life.
GOLDEN
AGE ROOM
This chapter of Indian history
saw the beginning of the Classical Ages. From the time
when innovation is no longer functional but aesthetic, an air of
prosperity filters into the rooms of the Golden Ages. Bright and vibrant
marigold yellows, rani pinks and peacock blues merge with generous doses
of gold and bronze, inspired from clothing and temple art. Sublime motifs on chairs, sofas evocative of the
singhasan/bedi of kings and deities, furniture is inspired by intricate
temple architecture, the curves of a veena echo in the shape of a curved
couch, while the iron pillars built during this period of great
metallurgical advances form the dining table legs. Folk tales from the
Panchatantra splash across the walls and a the soul
of a Kanjeevaram sari reflects on the blinds.
