When observing interior spaces one can go about that in a multitude of ways. By using a pragmatic approach one would look at how the design decisions relate to the existing building and the function of that building. Also, the traffic patterns, lighting levels, and noise levels of the design are taken into consideration. In the above images, taken in The Blue Frog Club in Mumbai, we can analyze how the pragmatic factors were incorporated into the design ideas. First of all, we need to analyze the function of the building. The Blue Frog operates as a club, restaurant, lounge, and sound stage, ultimately a place for large groups of people to gather and be entertained. Knowing this we can assume that the building’s noise level is quite high and the typical lighting levels for these places is low. The designers of this space realized this and solved this problem through the unique design of the space. By creating a psychedelic wave like design around the tables the designers created privacy among the parties who will occupy the tables. Although the tables are positioned rather closely, each table is barricaded by a solid wall that serves as the back rest to the tables, creating a more private and intimate design. This design concept also could help with the noise level because each table section is circular therefore all the members of the dinner party are facing each other eliminating people from shouting down the table. Lighting in this space is rather dim with spotlights and colored illumination as accents, setting the mood for the evening. When looking at these pictures you can see that each table is spot lit, also helping give the feeling of privacy. One thing I noticed within this design that might serve as a problem would be traffic patterns. Each traffic pattern to the tables seems unclear and hidden if you didn’t know where you were unfamiliar to the space. Also, from the pictures they don’t seem to be ADA friendly.
From your own observations how do you feel about this space? Do you think it serves it purpose and creates private, intimate sections for each party? If the lighting were brighter how do you think it would affect the space?
http://www.thecoolhunter.net/bars/
From your own observations how do you feel about this space? Do you think it serves it purpose and creates private, intimate sections for each party? If the lighting were brighter how do you think it would affect the space?
http://www.thecoolhunter.net/bars/
The overall design of this space is fantastic! I love the wave-like patterns created through the unique design. I definitely think that the space serves its purpose of creating private sections. The rise and fall of the "wave" pattern creates individual sittina areas. At the "top" of the wave, those areas are obviously higher then the lower sections. This helps to create privacy for groups. Certain parts of the walls of the sections are higher than others, creating a sense of semi-enclosure. The design of round seating areas flows with the natural design of the entire space. But this also helps with keeping conversation between the group itself. Like Jessica said, people have face to face contact. This eliminates the need to turn at awkward angles and shout down a table. I definitely don't think the lighting should be any brighter. By brightening up the space, you are automatically inviting conversation to become louder. Lower levels of lighting encourage softer tones and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. The red and blue tones of the lighting go well with the calming space.
ReplyDeleteI think this space is fascinating! I’ve never seen a space quite like this before. The shapes found within the space and the layout of the booths kind of reminds me of the tilt-a-world, a swirling ride found at most carnivals, or amusement parks. Although the circulation paths are hard to find, which makes the space somewhat confusing, I think that the design of the restaurant successfully creates multiple intimate spaces. Similar to stadium seating, the booths throughout the space are placed at various heights to help separate groups from one another. And as Olivia pointed out, the walls surrounding the booths also vary in height, which help to partially enclose the individual booths. Circular booths also help to create intimate spaces because radial designs bring people together and encourage face-to-face communication. Changing the lighting levels would definitely affect the space. As Jessica stated, the main function of this restaurant is to entertain various groups. So if the lighting levels were increased or decreased, the individual spaces that have been established to hold these groups would be lost. The spotlights above each booth provide a sufficient amount of light for each table without being too bright or encouraging louder conversation.
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