A three-dimensional art studio in Mumbai

Interior designers Dhruti Hamlai and Arwa Lokhandwala get together to create a soulful and multi-use space for Boundless, a multidisciplinary art studio.  

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Aspire Studios; courtesy Dhruti Hamlai and Arwa Lokhandwala Designs

The site

Surabhi Andrade’s vision for Boundless was a spiritually engaging space that lends itself to yoga, dance and fitness programmes, as well as to theatre and performing arts. The 600-square-foot space she zeroed in for Boundless (at Bandra, Mumbai) was originally a dental clinic, with full height partitions segregating the treatment rooms, pantry and reception area. To create this one of a kind space, she approached interior designers Dhruti Hamlai and Arwa Lokhandwala with a very detailed brief.

The brief

“In a city like Mumbai, known for being notoriously fast paced and noisy, our client wanted the users to experience a sense of calm and serenity, a space that directly transforms their mental headspace. A sanctuary of sorts. We had to create a space that could transform for different creative practices. Unlike traditional designs, in which a particular space is designed for a specific functional purpose, we wanted to make the studio three-dimensional, and have a soul of its own,” says Dhruti. “In terms of functionality, Surabhi emphasised on including a tea and coffee station, that could double up as a dry pantry counter and dedicated storage space to house studio equipments, and store user’s personal belongings,” adds Arwa.

The design intent

The designers drew inspiration from the name and concept of Boundless which translates to having no boundaries, infinite or vast. The idea was to tear down the walls of confinement and broaden the spectrum, by challenging both material and conceptual boundaries. The design focuses on texture rather than colour, with no clear distinction between floors, walls and the ceiling, celebrating fluidity and tactility throughout. Making it a studio without any boundaries — literally and figuratively. “Boundless has a slow, intentional spirit, almost meditative that inadvertently nourishes those who visit the space. A respite from the outside world, evoking a sense of calm and tranquillity the minute anybody steps into the studio,” the designers share.

The civil intervention

As the studio housed a dental clinic earlier, it was compartmentalised into small treatment rooms; and supporting areas like pantry and reception with full height partitions. The partitions were broken down to create an open free-flowing space with just one attached washroom.

The design and material details

In terms of the layout Dhruti and Arwa had only two functional walls (for the pantry and storage), as the other two which envelop the studio were large glass windows with metal architectural framework. These walls were refined with gridded framework and arches painted in matte black to introduce a sharp contrasting element to the otherwise monochromatic space. This also facilitated an uninterrupted flow of natural light.

The colour and material palette sees a monotone colour for the space which moves from lighter and darker tones throughout the space. Concrete finished vinyl is used across the floor with an internal wooden framework and springboard floor engineered to create a structurally sound floor for ballet and dance workshops. With a material tone that ebbs and flows through the space, the grey lime wash paint ties in beautifully with the flooring, lending depth and luminosity to the studio. “We set the overall tone of the space by using floor as a base, and building on different hues on the ceiling and walls to give the studio a limitless and vast feeling. Wall and column edges were rounded off to soften the space, giving a cave-like feeling that invokes a sense of calm,” the designers explain.

Personal belongings and yoga equipment are stored in the open shelving unit and storage cabinets in the pantry area. The fluted back panels in the shelving unit painted in dark grey, and the cool toned walnut veneered shutters in the pantry, bring in a sense of warmth and visual interest when set against a cold concrete background.

Lighting has played a key role in the design of the studio, with dimmable ambient lights combined with overhead track lights, which allows the client to control/set the mood and atmosphere of Boundless. A circular cut-out in the ceiling further emphasises the design concept as it is a symbol of infinity. Functionally, this feature indirectly lights up the studio when it holds yoga and meditation sessions. The long mirrored wall with rounded edges makes the studio appear larger than it is and also has lighting embedded in the back to add indirect lighting to the space.

Fact file

Project: Boundless
Client: Surabhi Andrade (Boundless)
Location: Bandra, Mumbai
Area: 600 sq ft
Principal designers: Dhruti Hamlai and Arwa Lokhandwala