Courtyard Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Courtyard Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Courtyard Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Courtyard Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Bar Pavilion of Baradari by Studio Lotus
A Pavilion in the form of a Baradari (literally translated – pavilion with 12 columns) was inserted in the form of a bar into the courtyard to divide it yet connect the two zones flanking it. This contemporary expression of handcrafted marble and brass accentuates the textures and forms of the historic structures that surround it and gives the place its key identity. It also becomes a marker of today in the building’s timeline. The courtyard also serves as a Connector by opening up between the Museum and the city through a secondary entrance – making the courtyard a semi- private spine of that connection.
The newly-designed areas now accommodate 200 covers across its breadth of spaces comprising the bar, lounge, restaurant and private dining room.
Private Lounge of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Passage to Private Dining of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Private Dining Room of Baradari by Studio Lotus
The concept seeks to create a balanced interplay of historic revelations and contemporary additions: both drawing from and interpreting the underlying Indo-Sarcenic influences of Jaipur’s architectural history.
Traditional crafts of Jaipur like Thikri work, bespoke casting and foundry work, furniture and stone work have been worked upon in this new idiom – whether it was through finding new form or using them in a new manner for a new use.
From structure to flooring to furniture units, stone masonry and inlay work have been given new expressions. The skilled artistry of local craftsmen in marble is given a graphic vocabulary for flooring, the Pavilion, dado work, benches, table tops and more. Housing the island bar, the contemporary Baradari-inspired Pavilion is built using metal, fluted marble and mirror heightening the historic vocabulary of the existing buildings. Marble benches line the deep verandahs enveloping the courtyard to create intimate dining spaces. Mild steel and brass are used for bespoke lighting and door design.
Constrained budgets encouraged the design team to use a combination of new and existing furniture salvaged from the Palace. Inspired from the hybrid influences, upholstery and weaving patterns were generated to give them a new lease of life.
Passage to Bar Lounge of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Indoor Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Given the nature and expression of the project, it uses more of indigenous technologies and skills such as low-tech energy-saving processes like rainwater harvesting and bio-degradable construction materials such as lime mortar instead of cement.
The courtyard terminates at one end in a fluted marble water cascade that helps create a micro-environment that cools the courtyard in summer while drowning out noises from outside.
Energy efficient air-conditioning systems, low energy electronically-controlled LED lighting systems are seamlessly integrated within the programme.
Dusk light View of Courtyard Seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Night shot of courtyard seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Several countries in Asia have a rich legacy of historic buildings but more importantly there are countries such as India, which have a rich legacy of Living Tradition of traditional crafts and arts that are dying as they have been unable to reinvent themselves to today’s ideas and needs.
The project serves to be a demonstration of how active engagement of these craftsmen and artisans in new design applications can bring both, an exciting flavour to the project, and open up new ways of thinking for these artisans.
Night shot of courtyard seating of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Night shot of Bar Pavilion of Baradari by Studio Lotus
View from terrace of Baradari by Studio Lotus
The café has been a resounding commercial success, tripling revenues over the same period last year. The new design of the space has created a buzz and interest in the old quarter of Jaipur, which otherwise was becoming a place to only go and experience legacy. Today the museum too is looking at becoming a place which is at the forefront of new thinking in presenting tradition and looking to revamp the approach to conservation and museology it has taken so far.
It has also become a point of reference for design students and artisans alike to come and see how traditional forms can take exciting new expression using the skills and materials that are native to the region and very much a part of the legacy of Jaipur.
Night shot view from terrace of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Site Plan of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Section AA of Baradari by Studio Lotus
Section BB of Baradari by Studio Lotus