Architects Mohit Vij and Harsimran Singh established Arch.Lab Architecture in 2011 at Mohali.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Courtesy Arch.Lab Architecture
Arch.Lab Architecture is a young and dynamic architecture design firm with a single aim of creating innovative sustainable spaces using research and modern design tools. Their design process involves different stimuli — ranging from climatic conditions, financial and market forces, globalization, local conditions, prevalent traditions and technologies, and the community.
QUICK FIVE
Your USP…
We endeavour to constructively evolve our designs as a team. We do not limit ourselves to the available products and elements constituting a project, but experiment to create pieces that fit perfectly with the idea.
Your advice to younger architects or peers who are contemplating going independent…
Young architects must go independent as fresh minds are a great source for new interventions. However, we would advice them to be patient with their growth as our profession is ever evolving and needs one to be persistently aware of his/her surroundings. One must always have his/her mind open to new concepts and should certainly be at par with the emerging scenarios in a global context so as to develop a better understanding of the world around us.
An Indian architect you admire…
Architect Bijoy Jain. His unique approach towards practicing architecture is what makes him an exemplary designer in our opinion.
Materials you love working with…
Brick and concrete, owing to the textures they offer in their raw form. We also like to explore the application of natural Indian stones that add vibrancy to the spaces.
Your quirkiest inspiration so far…
A lighting installation for a project in Chandigarh — its form was inspired from the skeleton of a reptile.
FAVOURITE PROJECT PICKS
Aja Restaurant in Chandigarh aims to serve globally inspired street food that focuses on healthy conscious consumption. Their vision can be summarised in their brand’s slogan, Fresh, Grilled and Healthy. For the architects, the challenge was to create an experience that corresponds with the brand’s global vision while creating a reflection of its place of origin. The concept for the restaurant therefore, takes cues from the characteristics of the city, either as capturing the openness seen in the landscape, or as aligning with the texture of the city. Therefore, the spatial character of this restaurant is dominated by a specific material palette of concrete, wood and greens in a contemporary experimental form.
(Photographs: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj)
Pumpkart Showroom in Mohali has a unique spatial design identity. The bare and exposed finish of the space creates an ambience that represents the environment of a site under construction wherein the products at display blend in well. The achieved setting thereby holistically projects a minimal environment while fusing the raw surface finishes with the finished character of materials. The central island, created with a dynamic composition of solid concrete blocks, forms an interesting display area. Complementing the island is an intriguing light installation on the ceiling that symbolises a network of plumbing pipes.
(Photographs: Purnesh Dev Nikhaj)
Residence in Cheeka is spread across 500 sq yd in a small town in Haryana. The project showcases an organic transition between the public and private spaces in the layout of a typical residence. The spaces are planned around a courtyard which is the primary focus of the house. The courtyard helps in establishing a visual connection between the key spaces of the residence and also houses a secondary entrance for the residents. The house is characterised by a monolithic exterior shell cladded with grey stone, the hardness of which is softened by the use of wood.
(Photographs: Manmeet Singh)
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