Translating ideas into functional designs

There are a myriad of considerations to keep in mind while designing a hospitality project, says architect Anil Badan

Based in Delhi, Studio B Architects has built a reputation for interior design of premium destination hotels and resorts in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The international team brings a diversity of experience in interior design, fresh perspective and originality, together with technical expertise and attention to detail, resulting in exquisite interiors. Through the combination of high professional standards, technical resourcefulness and an absolute sense of commitment to individual and corporate values, the projects find expression as well.  

At the helm of affairs is architect Anil Badan who, after working with a renowned organisation for five-and-a-half years, decided to start his own firm. His maiden major successful project was to design and construct the first nightclub in Kolkata, Cloud Nine. This was followed by an interior project for Dynasty Restaurant in Gurugram. However, it was the third hospitality project that helped him showcase his ideas among the high rollers of the interior design industry. The showcase was at The Leela in Mumbai. This was the turning point in his career. 

For over 20 years, Studio B Architects have been recognised for their hospitality design sensibility and have provided bespoke and modular designs. Some of the other clients that Badan and his team have worked on several prominent hospitality brands like Khyber, Ramada Plaza, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn. “We have worked on around 150 projects in these two decades, with nearly 20 projects in the pipeline,” says Badan.

On the most challenging hospitality project tiil date, he says, “Our recently completed project, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg has been the most arduous one ever. While the resort is a treat to live in, it was particularly difficult to work on due to the terrain and extreme weather conditions. It was complicated to access the materials as it was all sourced from Delhi. It is an amalgamation of authenticity and modern comfort in Kashmir.” 

Talking about translating ideas into functional designs, Badan says, “From years of experience, it has been observed that a design cannot be complete without a particular eye-catching aesthetic. However, there is an overarching need to balance both the essential components of form and function. One of the biggest assets an architect has in their repertoire that can help in translating dreams to reality is an excellent building and construction team who are experienced and reliable in nature. The use of high-class materials is also a major defining factor when it comes to dictating the final outcome for various projects.”

Talking about the design philosophy at Studio B, the experienced architect says that they aspire to become true connoisseurs of design and architecture. “A simple design can inspire awe, and therefore, when it comes to the design philosophy for Studio B, it is firmly rooted to create accessible designs for one and all. So, the entire philosophy that is adopted at the firm staunchly revolves around designing for the people and the masses. All these structures have to be accessible and easy to navigate by everyone in the population, with a special focus given to the elderly and the handicapped. Such designs need to be easy to maintain and remarkable in nature, and this can only be achieved with the help of the design process and hard work put in by every single person involved in the project at hand,” he shares.

Badan says setting up a hotel is not an easy feat. Right from the drawing board, it is next to impossible to have a perfect design in hand. There are a myriad of considerations to keep in mind while designing a hospitality project. One needs to take into the account the location - if the soil is too soft and retains water easily, it will serve as a poor base for the foundation of the hotel. 

“The design needs to be aesthetically pleasing while being accessible and easy to navigate. Next, the use of eco-friendly and locally sourced construction material to minimise transportation costs. Services need to be considered before designing a hotel, which includes fire emergency plans, stairwells, and elevators. Lastly, there is a need to preserve the natural flora and fauna of the area. Also, if the interiors are not satisfactory while being aesthetically pleasing in terms of utility of comfort,” he explains. 



This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022 ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL'



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